GPPi publishes op-ed on why Germany should send peacekeepers to South Sudan

On 9 January 2014 the German daily newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung published an op-ed by GPPi Research Associate Sarah Brockmeier on the German response to the crisis in South Sudan – where, argues Brockmeier, Germany can and should significantly increase its contribution to the United Nations mission.

After the outbreak of violence in South Sudan following a political power struggle in mid-December, the UN is asking for contributions from member states to reinforce its peacekeeping mission in the country.

In her piece, Brockmeier contends that Germany has the capacities to help with transporting troops into the country. It could also use the existing mandate by the German Bundestag of up to 50 soldiers to significantly increase the number of German soldiers on the ground. Currently 12 German soldiers are in South Sudan. Brockmeier disputes three arguments by German politicians that in her opinion prevent even the start of a discussion on a possible increase in German support to the UN mission.

First, political pressure and humanitarian aid are urgently needed but cannot substitute the need for protection by UN peacekeepers.

Second, the call for the UN or the EU to deal with the crisis cannot replace a German contribution to these organizations, which have no troops of their own.

Lastly, the call for ​“African solutions to African problems” and capacity building disregards the fact that it will come too late for civilians under threat today. Germany, Brockmeier writes, cannot hope for others to take over its responsibilities.

The original op-ed in German can be read here. An English version is available.