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Peacekeepers set free in South Sudan, other hostages still held

Peacekeepers set free in South Sudan, other hostages still held

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Eighteen United Nations peacekeepers taken hostage in South Sudan earlier in the week have been set free, the UN has confirmed.

But 12 South Sudanese contractors working with the peacekeepers are still being held.

All 30 were taken hostage earlier this week by heavily-armed opposition SPLA forces, which accused them of transporting weapons.

The UN Mission in South Sudan, (UNMISS), denies the claims and said the group was transporting fuel, not weapons.

Sebit William Machar has been speaking to the mission’s Ariane Quentier.

Duration: 3:12

Photo Credit
UN Photo/Martine Perret