Japanese Ambassador explains planned withdrawal of UNMISS peacekeepers

Japan’s ambassador to South Sudan says the decision to withdraw Japanese Self-Defense Forces from South Sudan is to allow Japan focus on other areas of support to the United Nations South Sudan.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe’s announced on Friday the 350-strong unit presently in South Sudan would be returning to Japan in May after a deployment lasting seven months on grounds that the peacekeepers’ mission to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by the ongoing civil war has been completed. Clarifying on the planned withdrawal on the Miraya Breakfast Show this morning, Ambassador Kiya Masahiko said the Japanese government is refocusing attention based on developments in the country.

Ambassador Kiya Masahiko said Japan will continue to support South Sudan and the UN Peacekeeping operation in other ways.