Juba, South Sudan, 28 July 2026 - UNMAS, together with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), marked the official handover of vehicles and operational equipment procured under ‘The Project for the Improvement of the Working Environment for Mine Action Agencies’, funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
The handover represents a significant investment in strengthening the operational capacity of the NMAA. The vehicles and operational equipment will support the Authority's survey and explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) teams, enhancing their mobility and enabling them to conduct field assessments, deliver life-saving risk education, and coordinate mine action activities more safely and effectively across South Sudan.
The support reflects the longstanding partnership between the Government of Japan, JICA, UNMAS, and NMAA in supporting South Sudan's progress toward a landmine- and explosive ordnance-free future. By strengthening national capacity, the project contributes to safer communities, improved humanitarian access, and sustainable peace and development.
The ceremony brought together senior representatives from the NMAA, UNMAS, and the JICA South Sudan Office, as well as the Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan in South Sudan, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening national ownership of mine action and supporting South Sudan's long-term recovery and development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Borys Pokalyuk, Chief of Mine Action Officer-in-Charge, UNMAS South Sudan, emphasized the importance of investing in national institutions and capabilities.
"Mine action is not just about clearing land, it is about creating the conditions for peace, recovery, and sustainable development. Japan’s support, through JICA, strengthens NMAA’s ability to protect communities and facilitate humanitarian access, and greatly supports South Sudan in meeting its obligations as a State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, including its Article 5 obligation to clear all known mined areas, and other key treaties."
H.E. Toshio Odagiri, Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting humanitarian mine action in South Sudan.
"Today's handover reflects Japan's unwavering commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan. I sincerely hope that this equipment will strengthen NMAA's capacity to protect lives and bring South Sudan closer to a mine-free future. Japan will continue to stand alongside South Sudan — through UNMAS, JICA, and our broader partnership — until all children can safely walk to school, all families can freely cultivate their land, and all communities can look forward to a future free from fear."
Representing JICA, Mr. Tomohiro Suzuki, Senior Representative of the JICA South Sudan Office, highlighted the expectation of the equipment to be utilized effectively for the project achievement.
"Today, we officially handed over the vehicles, motorcycles, and operational equipment. We sincerely hope that all of these assets will be properly managed and effectively utilized under this project. We also hope that they will contribute to the achievement of the project's objectives and, through this project, make a significant contribution to realizing a safe and mine-free society, as well as advancing efforts toward the completion of landmine clearance by 2030."
The Chairperson of the NMAA, Hon. Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support from the Government of Japan through JICA.
"This partnership, implemented through UNMAS, has strengthened the NMAA's institutional and operational capacity and reinforced national ownership of mine action. Today's handover is another important milestone in that shared commitment.
The vehicles, motorcycles and operational equipment you saw within the compound today, will enhance the mobility of our Survey and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education teams, enabling them to reach more communities, deliver life-saving risk education, and coordinate mine action operations more effectively across South Sudan."
The Government of Japan has been a longstanding partner in supporting humanitarian mine action in South Sudan. A part of this project, Japanese-made mine detection equipment is also planned to be handed over. Through its partnership with UNMAS and JICA, Japan remains committed to strengthening national institutions, improving operational capacity, and supporting South Sudan's efforts to meet its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and other treaties, making South Sudan safer.
UNMAS extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued partnership and steadfast commitment to strengthening mine action in South Sudan.
For further information:
Mr. Borys Pokalyuk, Chief of Mine Action OiC, UNMAS South Sudan, borysp@unops.org
Ms. Harumi Kawagoe, Programme Management Specialist, UNMAS South Sudan, harumik@unops.org
