Three abducted UN staff members in Sudan's Darfur released

The United Nations (UN) and the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Tuesday announced the release of three UN staff members who were abducted in Sudan's Darfur last November, Sudan Tribune reported.

"Three UNHCR staff members including two Nepalis, who were abducted on Nov. 27 from El Geneina, Sudan, have been released safely on Monday," Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was quoted as saying in a statement.

The UN official commended the Sudanese government, UN hostage management team and other stakeholders' effort in ensuring the release of the hostages.

"At this time, our immediate focus is on the health and well-being of our colleagues, as well as that of their loved ones following this ordeal. We are doing everything possible to ensure they are being well taken care of," the report said.

Last Nov. 27, unidentified gunmen kidnapped three UNHCR workers, a Sudanese and two Nepalese, in El Geneina, the capital city of Sudan's West Darfur State.

Sudan's Darfur region has witnessed a series of abductions of UN humanitarian workers and peacekeepers by armed groups and bandits, usually for ransom.

The Sudanese government says it refuses to pay any ransom to kidnappers. Endit