El Fasher, 17 August 2010 – Two Jordanian UNAMID police advisers who were abducted on Saturday 14 August in Nyala, South Darfur, have been freed today.

The peacekeepers were released in Kass, South Darfur. They were then immediately transported to the Mission’s Level III Hospital in Nyala, where they underwent a medical examination. They appeared to be unharmed and in good health, and will later be flown to Khartoum.

They were welcomed by the Mission’s Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Mohamed B. Yonis, who expressed gratitude for their safe return. “We are thankful to have our colleagues back with us. They appear to be in good spirits and I commend the courage they have shown during this ordeal.” he said.

The release comes following meetings held yesterday in Nyala between Mr. Yonis and a joint Government-UNAMID taskforce set up to resolve the matter. “We are very appreciative of the Government’s support in securing their freedom,” said the DJSR. State authorities have today pledged to continue working to capture the perpetrators and bring them to trial.

The peacekeepers were seized on Saturday morning by unidentified armed men as they were walking from their accommodation to a transport pickup point.