The UN mission in the country says its barge and 13 of its contractors who were detained in Upper Nile by the SPLM in opposition have been released.

But the mission says its cargo consisting of communication equipment and 55,000 liters of fuel, was not returned.

The SPLM in Opposition forces seized the barge convoy in Kaka on Wednesday and held hostage the UN personnel who were onboard.

UNMISS says the barge was carrying a cargo of 55,000 liters of fuel, communication equipment, an inflatable boat and 16 weapons that were being taken to Renk County.

There were 31 people on board, but a day later, the opposition forces released 18, including international peacekeepers and military liaison officers, and detained 13 Sudanese contractors.

In a statement, the mission says the contractors were released on Friday. The opposition forces kept the fuel and seven weapons.

The mission has called for the release of all the remaining items.

UN chief in South Sudan Ellen Margrethe Loj said she was “relieved by the safe release of all UN personnel.”

Last week, the SPLA accused UNMISS of allowing the SPLM in Opposition to use the barge to transport its weapons and soldiers.

The head of UNMISS, Ellen Loej, has strongly denied the accusation.