Tokyo — Japan has approved noncombative support roles for its troops under the UN peacekeeping operations in war-torn South Sudan. The 350 troops approved by the Japanese cabinet on Tuesday, are expected to be dispatched under Japan’s new security law enacted last year. "South Sudan cannot assure its peace and stability on its own and for that very reason, a UN peacekeeping operation is being conducted," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday. "The SDF ... is carrying out activities that only it can do in a tough environment." Japanese troops have been in South Sudan since 2011, primarily to help build infrastructure in the war-torn country. But under the new mission they will be allowed to respond to urgent calls from UN staff and nongovernmental organisation (NGO) personnel. Defence Minister Tomomi Inada has said the government does not envision Japanese troops rescuing other foreign troops. The government also plans to assign the troops another new ro...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.