A Letter from the Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan

My name is KIYA Masahiko, and I am the newly appointed Ambassador to South Sudan starting from April of this year. Pleased to meet you.

I wish to assist understanding among the people of both Japan and South Sudan as well as many others, including those in the UN, regarding Japan and South Sudan's multifaceted relationship. The information will be posted on the website of the Embassy of Japan as “A Letter from the Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan”.

The first topic would be the activities of UNMISS Japanese Engineering contingent. On my arrival in South Sudan on April 27, I was greeted by UNMISS Japanese Engineering Contingent Commander Col. NISHIMURA Osamu. It has only been one month since then, yet I realize on a daily basis how Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have immensely contributed to the activities of the United Nations as well as the reconstruction of South Sudan.

Firstly, they support the numerous activities carried out by various contingents of UNMISS. Currently the UNMISS has over 12,000 personnel deployed in the country, working on the protection of civilians, monitoring human rights, creating conditions for humanitarian assistance, and supporting cessation of hostilities agreement implementation. About 350 members of the Japanese Engineering Contingent are carrying out logistical support in for the units from various countries to function properly. They provide essential facilities and services that are vital for UNMISS activities in such a harsh environment. Their work includes providing parking lots for the newly arrived Chinese troops, making container houses for the augmented contingents, as well as supplying water. They received words of gratitude from both UN SRSG Ms. Loj and Force Commander Tesfamariam for the exemplary activities of the Self-Defense Force. I feel that this is a precious opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities and morale of our Self Defense Force to other nations participating in the UN PKO and eventually to the world.
 
 

SRSG Loj inspecting container houses for augmented contingents (©JSDF)	Force Commander Tesfamariam attending UN Medal Parade (©JSDF)

Secondly, they have provided assistance toward the reconstruction of South Sudan. The Japanese Engineering Contingent is undertaking a multitude of work, within the UN mandate, which would directly benefit the people of South Sudan, in cooperation with the Embassy, JICA and international organizations. This month, they carried out the “Cherry Blossom Project (Sakura Project)”, receiving motor vehicle mechanic trainees from Juba’s multipurpose training center supported by JICA. They also set up a security fence for Juba river port project by JICA, and the completion ceremony with the presence of Transport Minister was widely covered by TV and newspapers. They also provide support for international organizations such as the UNHCR and WFP by setting up facilities necessary for their tasks. These achievements enhance trust and reputation of not only Japan but also UNMISS.


 

Training under “Sakura Project” (©JSDF)	Completion Ceremony of Juba River Port Security Fence  (©JSDF)

Thirdly, they undertake cultural exchange activities. I discovered after I came here that the about 350 members of the Self-Defense Forces have various “special talents” in culture. These members, while fulfilling their respective duties in the contingent, also make cultural performances, exchanges and friendship matches, from martial arts (such as Karate, Kendo, and Judo), sports (such as football), and traditional arts (such as tea ceremony and Yamagata folk dance). I believe that this is a splendid field of activities that demonstrate the attractions of Japanese culture to the leadership and other countries’ contingents of UNMISS, as well as government officials and the general public of South Sudan.



 

Demonstration of Karate in UN Medal Parade  (©JSDF)	Japan-South Sudan Friendship Football Match  (©JSDF)

I was in charge of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces’ participation in UN PKOs in Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry headquarters in the past, yet by observing their activities on the ground, I have come to realize the significance of what they accomplish. I will strive to assist the Self-Defense Forces to enhance their activities for the benefit of South Sudan and the international community, and also to make this known to a broader range of people.

 (End)