South Sudan conflict: India to send its team to assess political and security situation

India on 1 January 2014 decided to send a team of senior officials to assess the political and security situation in South Sudan. The country is witnessing an ethnic conflict at present, in which at least 1000 people have died so far, which includes a life of an Indian Soldier, who was working as United Nations peacekeeper.

India has issued an advisory for the Indian nationals not to travel to South Sudan and has asked its nationals residing in the country to leave the country.

The team of senior officials will interact with the Indian nationals in the country and review the arrangements in the place for the staffs of the Indian Mission at Juba. The team will also discuss matters with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Approximately, 2,000 Indian peacekeepers are serving in the UNMISS.

UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan)

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS ) was formed on 8 July 2011 following the Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Security Council by its resolution 1996 for an initial period of one year, from 9 July 2011. It was created with a determination to control the situation faced by South Sudan that continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security. The UNMISS was established with the intention to renew for further periods as may be required. The mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) ended on the same date.

UNMISS objective is to consolidate peace and security, and help establish conditions for development in the Republic of South Sudan. It views to strengthen the capacity of the Government of South Sudan to govern effectively and democratically and establish good relations with its neighbours. UNMISS consists of up to 7000 military personnel, including military liaison officers and staff officers, up to 900 civilian police personnel, including as appropriate formed units and an appropriate civilian component, including technical human rights investigation expertise and further decides to review in three and six months whether the conditions on the ground could allow a reduction of military personnel to a level of 6000.

India evacuated all its oil employees from strife-torn South Sudan

If you have any Question/Point on the above information, please ask/discuss it in the Current Affairs Group