South Sudan
Norway has contributed with military personnel in South Sudan through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan since 2011.
As of 2021, the Norwegian Armed Forces have deployed a total of 17 staff officers to UNMISS in South Sudan. Most of them are based at the UN headquarters in the capital Juba, while the rest are stationed at the operation's various sector headquarters.
The staff officers are responsible for personnel, operations, planning, training, education and military information.
In addition, the Norwegian police have deployed up to 20 police advisers to UNMISS.
Bakckground information
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South Sudan became the world's youngest nation when it formally broke loose from Sudan following a referendum on 9 July 2011. The UN had a leading role in implementing the peace agreement between the parties in an area that has been marked by nearly 50 years of civil war.
In 2005, a peace treaty between Sudan and the military-political movement in the south of the country under the name Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) was signed. The agreement marked a turning point in a civil war that had lasted since 1983.
Following the secession in 2011, disagreements arose between Sudan and South Sudan a reslute of disagreement on border issues and distribution of oil resources in the border area. Most of the oil is located in South Sudan, while the only oil pipelines run through Sudan to the coast. The relationship between South Sudan and Sudan is fragile and tense.Shortly after the secession, South Sudan was plagued by internal problems. This is what has formed the basis for the UN mission's responsibilities and tasks. There have been a number of ethnic conflicts between different tribes and groups in the country. This has had an impact both on the political level and in everyday life. In addition, there are various armed militia groups with varying motives and agendas operating in the border areas of South Sudan. Cattle theft is particularly widespread, which has led to a number of violent clashes and subsequent chain reactions. Some areas are particularly unsafe and troubled.
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After recognising that the situation in South Sudan could pose a threat to peace and security in the region, the UN, through Resolution 1996, established the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in July 2011. The main purpose of UNMISS was to support the world's youngest nation in its state-building, ensuring peace in the area, protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian work.
When the situation changed as a consequence of internal strives, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 3125 and later Resolution 2155 in 2014.
In 2020, the Security Council adopted resolution 2514, which authorises the UN to use all necessary means to protect civilians, create the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, support the implementation of the revitalised agreement and the peace process monitor and investigate human rights The military contribution now consists of up to 17,000 troops, and the police contribution up to 2,101 police personnel.
