The Bundeswehr is to continue its support for the United Nations missions in Sudan (UNAMID - African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur) and South Sudan (UNMISS - United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) until 31 December 2017.

The mandates provide for the deployment of up to 50 soldiers for each mission. Currently four German soldiers are serving at the headquarters of UNAMID in El Fasher, Sudan. A total of 16 German soldiers are supporting the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).

Peaceful coexistence of the two states

The German government has long been seeking a permanent solution to the end the conflict and build peace in South Sudan and the region, within the framework of the EU’s common foreign and security policy, through the political efforts of the African Union, and through the United Nations. Unresolved disputes between Sudan and South Sudan must be resolved, so that the two states can coexist in peace.

Mitigating the humanitarian emergency in South Sudan

Five years after it gained independence, South Sudan is still facing massive challenges. In December 2013, serious armed conflict broke out. Since then, the security situation in parts of the country has worsened significantly. Fighting has triggered a humanitarian emergency and further aggravated the economic situation of South Sudan.

Some 4.8 million people have become dependent on food aid; about 1.6 million people are internally displaced. Close to 200,000 internally displaced persons have fled to UNMISS facilities alone.

After more than 20 months of civil war, in August 2015 the parties to the conflict signed a peace agreement proposed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional organisation in the Horn of Africa. This agreement is far from being fully implemented.

To alleviate the suffering of refugees and internally displaced persons, the German government has contributed over 35 million euros to humanitarian aid measures over the last two years.

Since the civil war broke out, around 84 million euros has been provided to help the people adversely affected by the conflict, partly through the special initiative of the German Federal Development Ministry "Tackling the root causes of displacement, reintegrating refugees".

Political solution to the Darfur conflict

The situation in Darfur remains tense and unstable. Armed clashes between the government, rebels and ethnic groups flare up repeatedly. In early 2016 regional fighting triggered a new wave of internally displaced persons.

In spite of the 2011 Doha peace agreement, it has not yet proved possible to establish peace in the area. The UNAMID mission is endeavouring to improve the security situation in Darfur, and is indispensable as a stabilising factor.

At the International Donor Conference for Reconstruction and Development in Darfur held in Doha on 7 April 2013, the German government pledged 16 million euros in funding. Since the end of 2015, this has been used to finance a technical and vocational education and training project.

Legal basis
On 8 July 2011 the United Nations Security Council, under Germany’s presidency, adopted Resolution 1996 (2011) to establish the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). On 12 August, the Security Council extended the mandate until 15 December 2016. On 31 July 2007 the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1769 (2007) establishing the African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The mandate was extended on 29 June 2016 for another twelve months until 30 June 2017.