Freed aid worker’s first thought is for humanitarian work to continue

RELEASED GOAL aid worker Sharon Commins’s thoughts were for the need to continue humanitarian work and for the people of Sudan who helped secure her release, when she spoke just hours after the end of her 107-day captivity.

The 32-year-old Dubliner looked in good spirits, although much thinner than in photos made available to the media during her ordeal, when she and fellow hostage Hilda Kawuki, 42, from Uganda gave an interview in Khartoum last night.

She is due to arrive back in Dublin on board the government jet today, bringing an end to more than three months of anxious waiting for her family in Clontarf.

Ms Commins thanked the people of Sudan for their prayers and support during the pair’s difficult time and also thanked people for their patience while their release was being secured.

“Thank you for staying strong and keeping this issue alive for us. We hope that humanitarian workers will continue with their good work that the communities and everyone appreciates.”

Government officials were last night refusing to comment on the two women’s release, after being held captive by a nomadic Darfur tribe since July 3. It is believed to have been the result of a deal between the Sudanese government and tribal elders, with a Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman confirming the Government position “that we do not pay ransoms.”

In a statement earlier yesterday, the two former hostages said they were thrilled to be released and they knew it must have been a traumatic period for their families. They said they had found strength in each other and their friendship helped them survive the ordeal.

As celebrations began yesterday morning, prayers were offered at Masses for 78-year-old Irish priest Fr Michael Sinnott, who remains a captive of kidnappers in the southern Philippines. Fliers were handed out on the island of Mindanao at the weekend, asking for help to get medicines to the Wexford native who was taken hostage eight days ago.

News of Ms Commins’ release was met with joy by her family, as her mother, Agatha, said they cannot wait to hold her in their arms. Her father, Mark, praised the efforts of Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin and his department. The minister said he was delighted and extremely relieved at the news and expressed gratitude to the Sudanese government for its help securing the women’s safe return.