Kidnapped U.S. Aid Worker Arrives in Sudan – 105 Days Hostag
- 14 years ago
A U.S aid worker held hostage in war-torn Darfur has arrived in Khartoum, Sudan. Darfur has seen a series of kidnappings since the March 2009 indictment of the Sudanese president by the International Criminal Court. News of the aid worker's release comes one day after reports of further Darfur kidnappings.
On Monday, a U.S. aid worker Flavia Wagner is released in Darfur after being held by her kidnappers for more than 100 days.
Wagner arrives in Khartoum, greeted by friends and government officials.
News of the release comes one day after members of a Russian aircrew were kidnapped in Sudan's western Darfur region.
Abductions are made mostly by young men from Arab tribes who demand ransoms. Khartoum has yet to prosecute any kidnappers.
Reports of ransoms being paid in the past are fuelling ongoing crimes.
The freed woman was working for U.S. charity Samaritan's Purse in Darfur.
United States of America Chargé d'affaires in Sudan, Robert Whitehead, thanked all those who were involved while negotiating the release and says the U.S appreciates all the efforts put forward.
[Robert Whitehead, United States of America Chargé d'affaires in Sudan]: (male, English)
"I would like to say that we do very much appreciate what the government here did, both the national government and the federal government including the Wali of South Darfur State in obtaining her release."
Wagner has become the first Western woman to have been held alone in Darfur.
People around the world have been praying for her freedom.
On Monday, a U.S. aid worker Flavia Wagner is released in Darfur after being held by her kidnappers for more than 100 days.
Wagner arrives in Khartoum, greeted by friends and government officials.
News of the release comes one day after members of a Russian aircrew were kidnapped in Sudan's western Darfur region.
Abductions are made mostly by young men from Arab tribes who demand ransoms. Khartoum has yet to prosecute any kidnappers.
Reports of ransoms being paid in the past are fuelling ongoing crimes.
The freed woman was working for U.S. charity Samaritan's Purse in Darfur.
United States of America Chargé d'affaires in Sudan, Robert Whitehead, thanked all those who were involved while negotiating the release and says the U.S appreciates all the efforts put forward.
[Robert Whitehead, United States of America Chargé d'affaires in Sudan]: (male, English)
"I would like to say that we do very much appreciate what the government here did, both the national government and the federal government including the Wali of South Darfur State in obtaining her release."
Wagner has become the first Western woman to have been held alone in Darfur.
People around the world have been praying for her freedom.