ADF support to UN in South Sudan continues

Australia’s 5th rotation of ADF personnel deployed to Operation ASLAN in support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have had their service recognised during a small ceremony in the capital of Juba.

Commander of the Australian Contingent Colonel Michael Chadwick presented UNMISS Service Medals to ADF personnel last month.

“The team have worked hard and their contributions to the peacekeeping mission are well regarded”, Colonel Chadwick said.

Since December 2013 Operation ASLAN personnel have endured a high tempo with ADF members fulfilling pivotal roles in key UNMISS headquarters positions, aviation, logistics support and acting as military liaison officers in Bor, Bentiu and Kapoeta.

It’s estimated thousands of people died during the recent outbreak of violence, with reports more than 700,000 people fled their homes, many seeking shelter within the confines of United Nations compounds.

Operation ASLAN formally commenced on 23 September 2011. ADF personnel transitioned to Operation ASLAN from Operation AZURE, the ADF contribution to the former United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

On 9 July 2011, the Republic of South Sudan became the newest country in the world, following a six-year peace process than began with the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. The new United Nations Mission in South Sudan was established to support the new Republic of South Sudan to build a viable and secure future for its people.

An ADF contingent of up to 20 personnel is deployed to Operation ASLAN.