Nyala — Four UNAMID peacekeepers from South Africa were today safely released after being held in captivity for 16 days.

"We are grateful to have our colleagues back with us. This day would not have been possible, had it not been for the good cooperation of the Government of the Sudan and the local authorities of South Darfur," said UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari, who was in Nyala to greet the released peacekeepers.

"I am proud of the courage and resilience displayed by our colleagues throughout this trying circumstance," said the JSR. "I certainly hope that this is the last time that peacekeepers, both military and civilian, who are here to bring peace and stability to the people of Darfur, are subjected to such unacceptable ordeals."

The news comes a day after a one-on-one meeting held yesterday between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and JSR Gambari, at which the Sudanese leader had pledged to do everything possible to assist in bringing about the safe return of the UNAMID personnel.

The police advisors, two men and two women, were abducted in Nyala on 11 April. After undergoing medical examinations, the officers will be flown to their home country, where they will be reunited with their families.