British troops continue support to UN South Sudan mission

The deployment of British troops to support the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is proceeding with deployment of more than half the 400 target of service personnel.

“We are here primarily as enablers to provide engineering and medical support to UNMISS,” said Lt. Colonel Jason Ainley, commander of the British Engineering Contingent in UNMISS.

Lt Ainley said at least 230 troops – mainly engineers - are already on the ground in Bentiu and Malakal providing crucial support in building landing sites, roads and drainage systems.

In 2015 British Prime Minister David Cameron announced the UK would double its contribution to active UN peacekeeping, with troops in South Sudan, as well as a team of 70 UK personnel to Somalia.

Britain has long been a large financial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions and is the fifth highest provider of funds. But its troop commitment has been relatively small - focused mainly on 250 soldiers based in Cyprus who wear the distinctive blue berets of the UN.

In this interview with Samuel Pawon, Lt Col Ainley talks about what support the Royal Engineers are providing to UNMISS.