TOKYO: Japan has dispatched additional headquarters personnel to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), following a Cabinet meeting on Friday.

The decision aims at strengthening Japan’s involvement in international peace and security. Japan revised its plans to help international peace cooperation operations in South Sudan byextending the dispatch period and adding two people.

Currently, there are four people at the headquarters in Juba and they are responsible for planning and coordinating logistics, information, facilities, and aviation operations.

Security Council Resolution 2726 extended the period of UNMISS operations until April 30, 2024, and the United Nations announced it was recruiting for the position of Deputy Chief of Staff (Colonel level) in charge of personnel, evaluation, and training. The position was filled by an Army Colonel, 1stClass, from the Ground Self-Defense Force. At the same time, a request was made to dispatch an assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff.

UNMISS is currently the only UN peacekeeping operation to which Japan dispatches personnel.