Japan seeks U.S. intelligence on S. Sudan

Japan sought U.S. input as it prepared to send its security personnel for a U.N. peacekeeping effort in South Sudan, sources told the Yomiuri Shimbun. The government wants U.S. intelligence on the newly independent African nation, where it plans to send about 300 members of its Ground Self-Defense Force members in January, the report said. South Sudan separated from Sudan and emerged as an independent country in July after years of civil strife. Japanese government sources told the newspaper the U.S. Africa Command will work with the GSDF. The Japanese government, concerned its personnel do not get caught up in any conflicts in the region, wants to know the security situation near the border with Sudan, the sources said. Initially, the GSDF contingent will mostly be involved in improving infrastructure in areas near the capital of Juba, but the report said the United Nations also wants the forces to be in the tense northern part of the country closer to Sudan.