SOUTH SUDAN / UNMISS SHERPS DEPLOYMENT

To help peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reach vulnerable communities isolated on small pockets of land among a sea of water, the Indian Government has deployed high-powered all-terrain vehicles, known as Sherps. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:03:17
• Production Date: 8 September 2025
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3445070
• Parent Id: 3445070
• Alternate Title: unifeed250908j

Description

STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / UNMISS SHERPS DEPLOYMENT
TRT: 03:17
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 08 SEPTEMBER 2025, BOR, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

1. Various shots, Jonglei wetlands from the air
2. Various shots, UNMISS Sherps traversing the waterways
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Arjun Kumar Butola, Colonel, Indian peacekeeping battalion commander in Jonglei:
“Earlier, if you see the range of the foot patrol was approximately five kilometers in the wet season, and the present vehicles that we had, the range was enhanced to 10 to 15 kilometers only. But after the induction of the Sherps, the range of the patrols has been increased to about 60 kilometers, and they have also been out for long duration patrols where they have done approximately 100-150 kilometers in two days.”
4. Various shots, Sherp interior
5. Various shots, peacekeepers loading the vehicles
6. Various shots, Sherps on the move
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Arjun Kumar Butola, Colonel, Indian peacekeeping battalion commander in Jonglei:
“The water currents in the rivers during the rainy seasons are a little higher and it’s very difficult to navigate the current, otherwise they are able to cross the rivers when the currents are within the limits, and the third which we have seen, the black cotton soil, it gets stuck to the tyres of the Sherps and it’s very difficult for the individual to get inside the vehicle or under the vehicle to repair it.”
8. Various shots, Sherp moving in and out of water
9. Wide shot, Indian Ambassador and INBATT Commander riding in vehicle
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Anil Nautiyal, Ambassador of India to South Sudan:
“By the addition of these vehicles in our peacekeeping mission, their efforts and their reach, is reaching the larger population and this will help, I’m confident and sure this will help them to provide more peace and security to the communities here and in the region.”
11. Various shots, Sherps on the move

Storyline

The landscape of Jonglei is dominated by the Al-Sudd, a vast wetland through which the White Nile flows. These conditions create fertile ground for crops in this severely deprived region of South Sudan, where thousands of people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. However, the flat terrain also makes it prone to extraordinary flooding during the rainy season, with rapidly accumulating water submerging farming and grazing areas.

To help peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reach vulnerable communities isolated on small pockets of land among a sea of water, the Indian Government has deployed high-powered all-terrain vehicles, known as Sherps.

Col Arjun Kumar Butola from Indian peacekeeping battalion commander in Jonglei said, “Earlier, if you see the range of the foot patrol was approximately five kilometers in the wet season, and the present vehicles that we had, the range was enhanced to 10 to 15 kilometers only. But after the induction of the Sherps, the range of the patrols has been increased to about 60 kilometers, and they have also been out for long duration patrols where they have done approximately 100-150 kilometers in two days.”

These vehicles, carrying up to six passengers, have been specifically designed to overcome rough and soggy terrain, and even to cross rivers. This has allowed the peacekeepers to provide a protective presence even during the monsoon season. However, despite their efficiency, some challenges remain.

Col Arjun Kumar Butola said, “The water currents in the rivers during the rainy seasons are a little higher and it’s very difficult to navigate the current, otherwise they are able to cross the rivers when the currents are within the limits, and the third which we have seen, the black cotton soil, it gets stuck to the tyres of the Sherps and it’s very difficult for the individual to get inside the vehicle or under the vehicle to repair it.”

While there is no perfect solution to the many obstacles faced in this challenging operating environment, the United Nations peacekeeping mission relentlessly searches for new and innovative ways to deter conflict, support the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and promote peacebuilding.

Anil Nautiyal, Ambassador of India to South Sudan said, “By the addition of these vehicles in our peacekeeping mission, their efforts and their reach, is reaching the larger population and this will help, I’m confident and sure this will help them to provide more peace and security to the communities here and in the region.”

As the area continues to be plagued by persistent, deadly cattle-raiding and intercommunal conflict, it is more important than ever for UNMISS and communities to work together to navigate the difficult journey from war to peace, stability, and development.