In a formal ceremony held in February at the UN Tomping Base in Juba, Colonel Richard Watson handed Colonel David Hughes control of Operation Aslan.
Colonel Hughes praised Colonel Watson for his commitment to Operation Aslan, Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, being a success (UNMISS).
Colonel Hughes noted that “under Colonel Watson’s leadership, he and his team have significantly contributed to UNMISS’s role in fostering accountability, peace, and stability in South Sudan.”
Colonel Hughes stated that he was dedicated to fostering relationships with foreign allies to carry on the excellent work the mission had accomplished the previous year.
Colonel Hughes said, “It is a delight to lead a committed group of Australians who serve in crucial and difficult tasks to support the United Nations in South Sudan.”
“Our ADF team produces excellent results and gains from uncommon operational and interpersonal experiences.”
The South Sudan Peoples Defence Force as well as UNMISS troops conducting patrols and inspections so as to protect the residents through the monitoring of human rights and also to deliver humanitarian aid are connected by a multinational team of military observers and liaison officers.
With over 18,000 military, civilian, volunteer, and law enforcement troops from 60 countries divided into 18 organized contingents, UNMISS is the largest UN operation.
Up to 20 Navy, Army, and Air Force members comprise the ADF component, which supports UNMISS’s mission by performing critical headquarters duties, providing aviation and logistical assistance, and serving as military liaison officers.
Colonel Watson stated that he would cherish his time in leadership.
The newest country in world, South Sudan, is still striving for a better future. Unfortunately, there are other obstacles. According to Colonel Watson, the hard-won success made by UNMISS, NGOs, and the Government of South Sudan agencies is frequently lost or compromised because of several challenging issues.
“Political, tribal, environmental, and internally displaced persons (IDP) causes, as well as a variety of security challenges, such as food scarcity, flooding, and cattle-herding, which significantly irritate local communities, can all lead to violence.
