TOKYO, Japan, October 15, 2013 — 1. On October 15, the Government of Japan made a Cabinet decision to extend the term of the dispatch of the Self Defense Forces (SDF) to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) for another one year, until October 31, 2014.
This Cabinet decision was made following the United Nations Security Council resolution 2109 of July 11, 2013, which renewed the mandate of UNMISS for one year, until July 15, 2014.
2. The Government of Japan also decided to increase the personnel and equipment, as the SDF will expand its area of activities in the State of Eastern Equatoria and the State of Western Equatoria in response to requests from the UN, in order to further contribute to nation-building of South Sudan.
3. South Sudan now faces the critical juncture of nation-building after the long civil war between North and South Sudan, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) implementation and the following independence. The Government of Japan recognizes that peace and stability of South Sudan is important for the peace and stability of Africa, and that support for the nation-building and stability of South Sudan is one of the significant challenges for which the international community needs to work on cooperatively.
4. The Government of Japan, as a responsible member of the international community, remains committed in cooperating with the international community and making proactive efforts toward the achievement of peace and stability in South Sudan.
Japan’s contribution to UNMISS
Under the International Peace Cooperation Law, Japan has been dispatching SDF personnel to UNMISS since November 2011. Presently, an SDF engineering unit consisting of approximately 330 personnel carries out the development of the grounds, the restoration of roads and other activities. In addition, approximately 20 personnel stationed at the Coordination Center of Japan perform duties to liaise and coordinate with relevant organizations, and three staff officers stationed at the Headquarters perform duties such as logistics, intelligence and engineering.
