Questions and answers about the foreign mission in South Sudan
The deployment of soldiers of the Federal Armed Forces as part of UNMISS – the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan – is to be extended until 31 March 2023. This was approved by the Federal Cabinet. The Bundestag still has to agree to the resolution.
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The Federal Armed Forces continue to be involved in the UN mission in South Sudan.
Graphic with a map of South Sudan and the text:
Federal Cabinet approves an extension of the deployment of the Federal Armed Forces until 31 March 2023.
For stability and peaceful development
The German contribution to the UN mission (UNMISS):
– Individual personnel in the mission’s command units
– Deployment of trained advisory, liaison and observation officers
– Temporary support for the initial and further training of UN staff (if needed)
Photo: Bundesregierung
What did the Federal Cabinet approve?
Germany will continue to participate in the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) with the deployment of up to 50 soldiers. The deployment has been extended until 31 March 2023.
Eleven soldiers are currently stationed in South Sudan.
What is the goal of the mission?
Originally decided on by the United Nations Security Council, the mission is dedicated to protecting civilians, supporting the implementation of the peace agreement of 12 September 2018 and promoting the peace process. Successful implementation of this mandate remains essential to the stabilisation and long-term peaceful development of South Sudan and its long-suffering civilian population.
How is Germany contributing?
The soldiers are deployed in the mission’s command units and act as advisory, liaison and observation officers. In addition, German personnel can, if necessary, provide temporary support for the initial and advanced training of United Nations personnel.
Why is the extension necessary?
South Sudan continues to rely on the intense support of the international community. Although major progress has been made, such as the reconstitution of parliament and the filling of many political offices at the state level, security challenges remain.
There are repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and violence still occurs, often criminally motivated. Those who suffer are the population at large as well as United Nations staff and aid workers. This repeatedly violates human rights on the ground and hinders the peace process.
The Federal Government contributes to stabilisation in South Sudan and the wider region. Germany’s involvement in UNMISS is part of long-standing efforts towards sustainable conflict management and peace-building based on the guidelines for Africa entitled “Preventing Crises, Resolving Conflicts, Building Peace”.
What aid does Germany additionally provide in the area of development assistance?
The Federal Government supports the South Sudanese population in this crisis using an integrated approach through its participation in UNMISS: in addition to extensive humanitarian aid, German development cooperation measures are geared towards securing livelihoods in the areas of food security, water and sanitation. Assistance in the area of crisis management is also provided. Germany’s approach is focused primarily on vulnerable population groups such as women, children, internally displaced persons and refugees.
South Sudan continues to suffer one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Out of a population of around twelve million, approximately 8.4 million are currently dependent on humanitarian aid. Some two million people are considered internally displaced, with approximately 2.3 million having fled to neighbouring countries. This is the fourth largest refugee crisis in the world and the largest in Africa.
For further information, see the website of the Federal Armed Forces: The Federal Armed Forces in South Sudan – UNMISS