What is the NZDF contribution?
The New Zealand Defence Force currently contributes three personnel to the United Nations Mission to Sudan (UNMIS). Two Officers serve as United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) and one Officer serves as a staff officer at the UNMIS Military Headquarters in Khartoum. This is a small but significant contribution by personnel who display a versatile skill set, and are highly regarded for what they do.
Why are NZDF personnel in Sudan?
The NZDF is committed to assisting UNMIS promote peace and security in Sudan in accordance with the United Nations mandate. The New Zealand contingent is a valued international contributor to the larger multinational force, which combines soldiers from 62 nations. It is engaged in diverse peace keeping activities in keeping with the terms of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
A key function of UNMIS military component is to observe, monitor and verify the activities of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudanese People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). By doing this the UN aims to ensure opposing forces adhere to the peace process as set out in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 at the end of the last Civil War.
Where is the contingent based?
The Staff Officer works at the UNMIS Military Headquarters in Khartoum. Staff Officers perform staff work at various headquarters for day-to-day operational functioning and sustenance of the force.
The two UNMO's are based in remote team sites within Southern Sudan and are the eyes and ears of UNMIS, entrusted with the crucial task of monitoring and verification.
Who commands the contingent?
Major Edward Craw has been appointed the Senior National Officer (SNO) for the contingent in theatre.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Air Vice Marshal Peter Stockwell remains responsible for operational command of all deployed NZDF personnel.