Government prolongs Defence Force missions in Middle East and Africa

The New Zealand government has announced the extension of Defence Force (NZDF) deployments to Africa and the Middle East, including supporting United Nations efforts on contested Israel and Arab country borders. Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters revealed in a joint statement on Friday that the deployments have been extended until September 2026.

The extended deployments include three individuals for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, a 28-person contingent for the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and eight individuals for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in the Middle East. These missions play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in regions plagued by conflict.

One of the key areas of focus for New Zealand’s involvement is the UN mission on the contested borders in the Middle East, which has been ongoing since 1954. This mission acts as a neutral arbiter between Israel and its Arab neighbors, helping to prevent further escalation of conflicts in the region.

Recent events in the Middle East have highlighted the importance of these peacekeeping efforts. Israel’s assault on Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides. The conflict has also spilled over into clashes with Lebanon, further complicating the situation in the region.

In Sudan, a year-long war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid and millions more displaced from their homes. New Zealand’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts in these regions reflect its commitment to promoting peace and stability on a global scale.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters emphasized the importance of these deployments in addressing security and stability challenges in the Middle East and Africa, which can have wider consequences, including on the security of New Zealand. Peters also announced $6 million in humanitarian aid to those affected by conflict in Gaza and Sudan during his visit to Egypt in April.

In addition to land-based missions, New Zealand will continue its participation in maritime missions in the Middle East, including the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain. This involvement is crucial for ensuring freedom of navigation and the safety of sea trading lanes, which are vital for global trade, including New Zealand’s.

The government clarified that New Zealand’s participation in Middle East maritime security efforts is distinct from its deployment to the US-led coalition undertaking strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and the Red Sea. New Zealand has been contributing to Middle East maritime security efforts since the 1990s and to the Combined Maritime Forces since 2013.

The NZDF will also command the Combined Task Force 150 on a rotational basis starting from early next year, with the aim of countering smuggling, piracy, and terrorism in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. This mission will involve the deployment of two Anzac class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, for a two-month period.

Overall, these extended deployments provide significant opportunities for the New Zealand Defence Force to develop and test skills and capabilities that are essential for protecting New Zealand’s interests in an increasingly complex and volatile global environment.