New Mission in PKO

New security legislation enables Japanese Self-defense Force exercising various missions in peace-keeping operation of United Nations. However, needs of suffering nations are changing year by year. Not only intervention for neutrality or confidence-building, PKO troops are expected to protect citizens. It is still not clear that JSDF can fully undertake its responsibility in international community.

With new security legislation, JSDF in PKO became possible in using firearms with less regulation in case they are attacked. New missions include order maintenance activities such as patrolling, inspection or protecting citizens, voluntary guarding for other friend troops, and joint defense of PKO base under attack. Those missions are regarded as necessary for modern PKO, which requires not only ceasefire monitoring but active engagement to conflict for peace building.

One of the most dangerous operations among current sixteen PKOs is U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Rocket attacks on PKO base there killed three PKO members last November. Islamic extremist group delivered criminal announcement. While PKO has been neutral troops for intervening opposing powers, it becomes a concerned party, regarded as the enemy of Islam in Mali. To attract international sensation, Islamic extremists are targeting PKO troops much more than domestic enemy.

JSDF has been involved in U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan. There is a demand of citizens to be protected from offensive South Sudanese government, caused by long-time civil war. Even the protection area of PKO cannot be safe. Enemies are sneaking over the fence. Two workers of Médecins Sans Frontières were killed while they were transporting injured PKO members. Everyone knows that it is South Sudanese government to protect Sudanese citizens. But, PKO troops have to protect them to defend themselves.

If JSDF has to use their weapons in PKO, operation of Japanese troops may significantly be changed. Constitution of Japan prohibits use of force in overseas. That was why the activity of JSDF in PKO had been limited to building roads or bridges after the conflict completely ended. New security legislation unleashes JSDF for further involvement in international conflict. Japanese troops can be the target of Islamic extremists, even if Japan keeps distance from American war on terrorism. South Sudan may be the stage for new Japanese military.