Bundestag
Two Bundeswehr missions abroad extended
With around 13,000 blue helmet soldiers from 73 countries, “Unmiss” is currently the United Nations’ largest peacekeeping mission in the world. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Bundeswehr missions abroad must be approved by the Bundestag and confirmed every year. The MPs once again gave the green light for two missions in the Mediterranean and East Africa.
The “Sea Guardian” surveillance mission with ships and boats is intended to contribute to the fight against terrorism and arms smuggling. The SPD MP Frank Schwabe objected to the assessment that the operation was unnecessary. “Sea Guardian” only creates situation reports and has a primarily preventive effect, but it is an important “early warning system”. As with the mandate extension last year, the upper limit is 550 soldiers.
In South Sudan, up to 50 German forces can continue to support the peace process as UN peacekeepers and ensure the protection of civilians. Although the civil war in the East African country was formally ended by a peace agreement in 2018, various armed groups continue to fight for influence. With around 13,000 blue helmet soldiers from 73 countries, “Unmiss” is currently the United Nations’ largest peacekeeping mission in the world.