French hostage freed in Sudan’s Darfur

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) – A French hostage kidnapped in Chad was freed after two months in captivity, Sudanese officials said Sunday.

Thierry Frezier, an engineer in a French mining company, was rescued in a raid organized by France, Sudan and Chad.

The French national was abducted in March south of Abeche, a mining area about 800 km (500 miles) east of Chad's capital, N'Djamena.

Mohamed Tabeddi, a spokesman for the Sudanese intelligence service, said the hostage was freed in the troubled western Darfur region.

“Sudan is committed to protecting civilians on its territories,” he told reporters in Khartoum.

He said five kidnappers had been arrested by Sudanese intelligence agents during the operation.

“This operation confirms that Sudan is committed to international law and efforts aimed at combating human trafficking and organized crime and securing border with neighboring countries,” he said.

French charge d'affaires Christian Bec, for his part, said the hostage had been rescued without paying any ransom.

“We thank the Sudanese government for cooperation in the operation to free the French hostage,” he said.

Frezier, for his part, said he was treated well by his abductors.

“I’m in good health and ready to go home,” he said.

Around 1,000 French troops are stationed in Chad.