Japan to continue UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan

Japan plans to continue the Self-Defence Force troops' peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, where UN peacekeepers have been deployed to protect civilians from escalating violence, a top government spokesman said Wednesday. "While ensuring the safety of Japanese personnel, we will continue to contribute to the nation-building of South Sudan together with the international society," Japanese news agency (Kyodo) quoted Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as saying in a press conference. About 400 Ground Self-Defense Force troops are stationed in the capital Juba and its vicinity carry out rebuilding of infrastructure and other activities. Suga also said Japan welcomes the decision by the UN Security Council on Tuesday to almost double the number of peacekeepers in South Sudan to protect local civilians amid the rapidly deteriorating situation there. According to Suga, Tokyo has no plan to increase Japanese peacekeepers. Violence began spreading across South Sudan after a fight between South Sudanese soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting former vice president Riek Machar on December 15th. Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida expressed strong concern over a large number of casualties and refugees resulting from the clashes, and the killing of UN peacekeepers. "Japan again strongly calls on all relevant parties to stop the violence and to resolve the situation through dialogue," Kishida said in a statement. "Japan supports efforts made by relevant countries and institutions including African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development toward the peaceful resolution, and calls for parties concerned in South Sudan to earnestly address the issue," the minister said.