NZDF deployment to South Sudan renewed

The long-running deployment of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been renewed by the Government.

The NZDF has contributed to UNMISS since its inception in 2011. The peacekeeping operation is designed to facilitate humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, support peace processes, and uphold human rights. 

In contributing to UNMISS, New Zealand seeks to promote peace and stability, uphold the

international rules-based order, support our relationships with other contributing partners, and provide NZDF personnel with valuable operational experience working within a UN peacekeeping operation.

The decision by the Government extends the NZDF’s mandate to participate in the mission for two years from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028. 

The renewal is for up to three personnel contributing to command and planning functions, with authority given to the Chief of Defence Force to approve two further roles if suitable opportunities arise.

The NZDF personnel will be deployed to the UNMISS headquarters in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

UNMISS plays an ongoing central role in supporting peace and stability in South Sudan, which has suffered from civil war, and ongoing violence and instability.