United Nations Mission In South Sudan Research Articles

The Nature of the United Nations Peace Mission in South Sudan

This study delves into the nature of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and specifically explores UNMISS's key roles like violence reduction, political instability, the security situation, social cohesion, reduction of violence, protection of civilians and socio-economic development. The study was guided by two objectives; to assess the objectives and mandates of UNMISS, and to examine the effectiveness of the roles and mandates of UNMISS in addressing the underlying causes of conflict and fostering sustainable peace in South Sudan. The study was underpinned by two theories, conflict transformation and Liberalism institutionalism theory. The study adopted a mixed method design with a target of 3280 and a sample size of 354 which was determined by the Yamane (1967) formula. The study employed purposive, cluster, stratified, and systematic sampling. Primary data was collected through interview schedules and questionnaires which were supplemented by FGDs. While secondary data was collected through a review of various publications. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SSP version 28 and thematic excerpts respectively. The study concludes that UNMISS has been in the front run to de-escalate hostilities by putting in place several strategies to create a conducive environment that supports dialogue and negotiation. This includes concerted DDR efforts that aim to reduce armed conflicts and prioritize the protection of civilians by fostering trust within the warring communities. Equally, UNMISS has played critical roles in ensuring social cohesion and political stability that are conducive to reconciliation and dialogue at the grassroots level. Peace-building initiatives have been achieved through missions’ commitment to the protection of human rights, social-economic development and availability of resources. The study recommends a substantial increase of resources to UNMISS and strengthening the SSR and DDR programs.

AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION OF VIETNAM’S LEVEL-2 FIELD HOSPITAL IN THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of aeromedical evacuation (AE) operations in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) carried out by Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital (L2FH). Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study on the data from all AE activities of the Aeromedical Evacuation Team (AMET) of Vietnam’s L2FH from October 2018 to March 2022 in Bentiu, South Sudan. Results: 31 AE patients were collected with 1 case of casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), 14 cases of emergency medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and 16 cases of non-emergency MEDEVAC. The mean age was 38.8 ± 8.4 years old, and the majority were male (83.9%). Patients were mainly from troop-contributing countries (TCCs) (67.7%). All cases belonged to the non-battle injury group, the majority was illness (93.5%). 6 infectious cases underwent AE, of which 2 patients were diagnosed with suspected severe COVID-19. Most patients needed medical officer escorts (29/31). The mean time from AE approval to patient referral for emergency MEDEVAC was 1.8 ± 0.4 hours, and for non-emergency MEDEVAC was 12.5 ± 7.9 hours. All cases were successfully transferred without any complications during AE. Conclusion: All patients under AE were not due to combat injury and mainly belonged to internal medicine disease, which raises the importance of training and experience exchange in both trauma and non-trauma air transport.

NA’s Future Peacekeeping Engagement Through a Case of Operation Lifeline in UNMISS

The essay delves into Nepal's substantial involvement in UN peacekeeping, particularly examining the Nepali Army's role in Operation Lifeline within the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). It traces the historical origins of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) and its transformation into Operation Lifeline (OLL) within UNMISS, emphasizing Nepal's enduring commitment to global peace. The narrative focuses on OLL-54, where the Nepali High Readiness Company (NEPHRC) played a crucial role, exceeding agreed-upon limits to ensure the safe passage of the barge in a complex security situation. The essay underscores the operational credibility and professionalism of the Nepali contingents especially NEPHRC, suggesting it as a case for Nepal's unique contribution to future UN peacekeeping efforts. It advocates for the systematic documentation of such experiences, envisioning the development of a unique Nepali peacekeeping model for the world. In conclusion, the essay asserts that Nepal has an opportunity to showcase its commitment and achievements in international peacekeeping, reinforcing its position as a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of UN peace missions.
 Nepali Army's (NA) six decades in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping is a reflection of Nepal's enduring commitment to global peace and security. This is not merely a legacy or an aggregate of numbers of participation, achievements, and sacrifices. NA today carries a huge baggage of experience and knowledgebase derived from different peacekeeping environments of conflict zones across the world from as many as 44 traditional and multi-dimensional UN peacekeeping missions. Quite significantly, NA can offer the UN a Nepali peacekeeping model based on lessons acquired through involvement and practice. From each mission and (the number of) contingents in those missions, NA has gathered tremendous lessons and learning (experience) from individuals - leaders and men alike and participating units. Yet very few attempts were made to collect those experiences and bring about inferences for its future application. The author believes that Nepal can contribute to the world with a unique outlook for future UN peacekeeping, which is always evolving. This paper, however, only attempts to discuss Operation Lifeline (OLL) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in particular to derive lessons relevant for Nepal/NA to consider for the future.

Youth Gangs and overcoming waithood in a United Nations Protection of Civilians Site in South Sudan

ABSTRACT This article investigates contestations over the roles and legitimacy of gangs within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Bentiu, South Sudan. Drawing on qualitative interviews, it argues that ‘gangs’ represented the medium through which everyday struggles and processes of social contestations were negotiated between youth, elders, and protection actors. Prevailing narratives of gangs as violent criminal entities structured conflict with elders and protection actors, but to their affiliates, gangs provided protection, identity, belonging, responsibility, agency, and a route to overcome the limbo of ‘waithood’ and achieve social adulthood.

Hiding in plain sight: IDP's protection strategies after closing Juba's protection of civilian sites

AbstractThis article examines how former Protection of Civilian site (PoCs) residents are staying safe and protecting themselves after the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) handing over of the PoCs to the Revitalised‐Transitional Government of National Unity (R‐TGoNU). Using key informant interviews, questionnaires, and observations, we establish that those still residing in the PoCs do so with less humanitarian assistance, increased insecurity, and few authorities they can rely upon or turn to for protection. In response, it is shown how camp residents have developed their own safety and protection strategies at the cost of their ability to pursue livelihoods, move freely outside of the camps, and publicly express their identities. Although broadly stable, this situation is unsustainable and risks the safety of camp residents and the wider ongoing peace process. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for humanitarians and R‐TGoNU policymakers interested in their welfare.

The Blue Beret

The Blue Beret

Failed Peace in South Sudan? Exploring Unarmed Civilians and Local Peacekeepers through the Work of Nonviolent Peaceforce

Since the 2013 outbreak of civil war in South Sudan, the conflict has produced orgies of casualties and displacement of millions necessitating a series of mandates of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Yet, humanitarian crises and civilian protection challenges have not been reversed. To address these deficiencies, this article examined methods of the unarmed civilian peacekeeping as local peace formation and infrastructure involving the non-use of weapons for civilian protection as practiced by the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP). Adopting ethnographic strands of Critical Peace Studies and utilisation of participant observations in humanitarian accounts with the NP between 2015 and 2019, our in-depth qualitative fieldwork indicates a potentially effective approach to unarmed civilian protection in the country. Our findings illuminate the limited viability of the UN civilian appointed personnel, while making an argument for the compelling efficacy of unarmed civilian peacekeepers in which those affected by the conflict are themselves empowered in their physical protection, the study further recommends the integration of the NP strategies into the current state of peace operation disarray so the current self-fulfilling prophecy of failed peace in South Sudan can be overturned.

Hard Lessons from South Sudan

South Sudan's tragic history of independent statehood raises important questions about the future of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). UNMISS cannot bring peace to the country on its own. For that to happen, South Sudan's militarised form of governance and political economy must be transformed. Recognising UNMISS's limitations does not, however, preclude a vital and continuing role for the mission. UNMISS must work to reduce alarming levels of local and sub-national violence and help shore up the fragile peace agreement reached between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar in 2018. The mission must also manage the risks of further instability posed by poorly managed security-sector reform and elections scheduled for 2022. Finally, UNMISS and the UN must intensify the search for political avenues out of violence. To this end, renewed and constructive international engagement must be marshalled, and the UN must absorb important lessons from its own performance.

Evaluating the Challenges and Opportunities of the Use of Military Diplomacy in Intrastate Conflict Management in the Horn of Africa

Military diplomacy is increasingly relied on in the management of intra state conflicts globally. Far more common and controversial is the issue of combat troops to help end fighting in an intractable conflict. The Horn of Africa is an epitome of intractable regional intrastate conflicts that have attracted international, regional and even individual state military and humanitarian intervention since the 1970s. The Somalia and Sudan crises provide typical examples in which such efforts have been witnessed yet they also provide a case study of successful military diplomacy by African states in states engaged in protracted intra-state conflicts. This study was conceived to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of the use of military diplomacy in intrastate conflict management in the Horn of Africa. The study was located in the rational logic theory. It was carried out among peace groups and individuals who had participated in peace processes in the Horn of Africa. These were located in Mogadishu and Kismayu, Khartoum and Juba and embassies in Kenya that represent the Horn of Africa countries. Security personnel who have had a role in the Horn of Africa peace processes at African Union (AU), Inter - Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East Africa Standby Force (EASF), United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), United Nations Africa (Union) Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and African (Union) Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) were key informants. The study used purposive sampling and snowballing to determine the sample size. Data was collected using interview schedules and questionnaires which were analyzed using Concurrent Nested (Embedded) Design. Secondary data were gathered and reviewed from Journals, books and published proceedings that corroborated the primary data. The findings indicate that the obscurity of the military and the rubric in the understanding of military diplomacy poses a challenge for the military to influence intrastate conflicts in the Horn of Africa. This is compounded by other challenges including the Cold War mentality that has made the region to witness a series of foreign activities leading to militarization of the Horn of Africa with establishment of military bases in the Horn of Africa. Peace support operations are expensive to manage yet the missions undertaken in the Horn of Africa lack sustainable source of funds and instead over rely on foreign funding and goodwill. With no sufficient funds, buying equipment and paying the staff becomes a big challenge. Emerging threats and clan dynamics are actualities that the use of military diplomacy was found to face as a challenge. To change these challenges into opportunities requires rational logic from all stakeholders in the conflict management process

Coping with COVID-19 in United Nations peacekeeping field hospitals: increased workload and mental stress for military healthcare providers

IntroductionThis study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the United Nations peacekeeping field hospitals where medical supply and manpower are extremely insufficient.MethodsA level II hospital was deployed in...

Cas/Medevac in field area: An experience and lessons drawn

Introduction: Success of Cas/Medevac missions depends on effective coordination between all agencies involved. The focus by medical authorities on the treatment and medical care at time leads to avoidable procedural complexity. Certain lessons are drawn from the United Nations (UNs) field areas for Cas/Medevac missions/laid down procedures and recommendations made for streamlining our own procedures. Materials and Methods: The data pertaining to Cas/Medevac details from IFH Level-II Malakal (UN Mission in South Sudan [UNMISS]) for January 2017 - February 2018 were collected and analyzed. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed in the UN field areas for Cas/Medevac missions were also studied and analyzed. Results and Discussion: A total of 19 cases were air evacuated from IFH Level-II UNMISS to higher medical establishments and 11 cases from periphery to IFH Level-II in 1 year plus period. Aeromedical issues involved are discussed here with emphasis on Medevac of patient with suspicion of hollow viscus perforation/pancreatitis. Procedures and documentation followed in the UN Medevac missions are discussed and suggestions made for improving Cas/ Medevac procedures in field areas. A sample of Cas/Medevac incremental information form is also suggested. Conclusion: Timely evacuation of a casualty to an appropriate medical establishment can reduce mortality and morbidity significantly. Experience of Cas/Medevac missions in the UN field area is presented in this paper along with analysis and discussion on SOPs followed in the UN mission areas. Suggestions are made to refine and streamline our own Cas/Medevac procedures in field areas and theaters of conflict.

A coordenação do trabalho da UNMISS e das agências humanitárias na mitigação da crise humana no Sudão do Sul1

Objetiva-se analisar o trabalho conjunto entre a Missão das Nações Unidas no Sudão do Sul (UNMISS) e as agências humanitárias, destacando os óbices logísticos. Foram utilizados, como metodologia, a revisão bibliográfica e a análise documental. Argumenta-se que a guerra civil, que eclodiu no Sudão do Sul no final de 2013, levou a UNMISS a criar os chamados Protection of Civilian sites (POC sites), que são campos de deslocados internos localizados, pela primeira vez na história da ONU, dentro das bases militares de uma missão de manutenção da paz. Esses campos, que possuíam condições precárias devido à restrição de espaço gerada pelo imenso afluxo de deslocados, necessitaram de considerável esforço logístico humanitário para suprir as demandas que cresciam vertiginosamente. Além disso, os POC sites demandaram elevado nível de cooperação e coordenação entre peacekeepers e diversos agentes humanitários, o que gerou lições que poderão ser utilizadas em missões de paz que passarem por crises semelhantes.

The contribution of the United Nations police to the protection of civilians in South Sudan

O Sudão do Sul tornou-se um Estado independente em 2011, após uma longa guerra civil contra o Sudão. No mesmo ano, a Missão das Nações Unidas no Sudão do Sul (UNMISS) foi estabelecida para consolidar a paz, a segurança e o desenvolvimento. Em 2013, uma sangrenta guerra civil, que estourou e permanece até os dias atuais, mudou o país e a natureza da missão da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), a qual tornou-se mais robusta e passou a abrigar cerca de 200.000 pessoas em locais de proteção de civis (PoC sites). Neste violento e complexo cenário, a Polícia das Nações Unidas (UNPOL), que é um importante componente dentro da UNMISS, enfrenta um desafio substancial na proteção dos civis em todo o país. Desta forma, este artigo examina a performance da UNPOL como o mecanismo de imposição da lei dentro dos PoC sites e também como seu emprego tem contribuído para a proteção de civis no Sudão do Sul. Assim, após uma pesquisa bibliográfica, uma entrevista com um policial brasileiro veterano da UNPOL, e a análise da taxa de crimes dentro dos PoC sites, foi possível verificar que a UNPOL exerce um papel fundamental dentro da UNMISS, assegurando um ambiente seguro para os deslocados internos que se encontram sob a proteção direta da ONU.

Resilience in Displacement and the Protection of Civilians in South Sudan

Abstract The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established in 2011. As violence erupted in 2013, the peacekeeping mission allowed tens of thousands of civilians into its bases, leading to the establishment of Protection of Civilians (POC) sites that today shelter more than 200,000 people. The argument of this article is that the creation of the POC sites became constitutive of a broader set of controversies surrounding the building or otherwise of resilience among displaced civilians. The UNMISS is pushing to offer as few services as possible and is focusing on the delivery of traditional humanitarian assistance to encourage return. Conversely, the humanitarian community is pushing for the expansion of services beyond life-saving short-term interventions and towards building the capacity of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) to resist adverse shocks in the future. This article concludes that contestations over the politics of resilience have become a driver of tension and friction between the peacekeeping mission and the humanitarians.

Operation TRENTON 4

AbstractThe Royal Naval Medical Service (RNMS) is currently engaged on Operation TRENTON, as part of the UK military contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This article gives some background to the operation, describes the setting, and the facility that is operating in this austere environment.

Community Security and Justice under United Nations Governance: Lessons from Chiefs’ Courts in South Sudan’s Protection of Civilians Sites

This article examines the public authority of chiefs’ courts within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Protection of Civilians Sites (PoCs). After December 2013, UNMISS peacekeepers opened the gates of their bases to around 200,000 civilians fleeing war. This unintentionally created a legal and political anomaly. Over time, conflicts and crimes rose within the sites, and UNMISS improvised a form of administration. But while the internationals sought technical solutions, people displaced within the sites turned to familiar ‘customary’ methods to manage problems of insecurity, establishing chiefs’ courts. The PoC sites became an arena of plural authorities, with chiefs working alongside camp administrators, peacekeepers and humanitarian actors. We explore how and why the chiefs responded to insecurity within the sites and whether they engaged with, or diverged from United Nations actors and international norms. We demonstrate that justice remains central to the provision of security in contexts of war and displacement. International peace interventions are rightly wary of ‘customary’ justice processes that prioritise communities and families at the expense of individual rights, but this unique case shows that they are sources of trust and consistency that are resilient, adaptable and can contribute to human security.

MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES IN USING LEAN TECHNIQUES IN DESIGNING A COMPREHENSIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANIZATION LOGISTICS AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the managerial challenges in using lean techniques in designing a comprehensive characterization of the organization logistics and physical distribution system. The study further sought to determine the extent to which these challenges impact the logistics and physical distribution of goods and informed managerial practices.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The results revealed that DFS did face various challenges in the implementation of lean strategies and that the operational difficulties experienced within its operations across field missions resulted in reduced customer satisfaction, increased supplier lead time and increased operational costs. The respondents indicated that they experienced a lack of understanding of the complexity of supply chain at the senior leadership level whereby most initiatives are tainted with personal agenda as a consequent the biggest hurdle to overcome is gaining enthusiasm and trust of the staff. They also indicated that there is a high risk of asset waste and loss due to assets remaining in stock for over one year without use. Further, they indicated that there are weaknesses in the management of construction or “self-constructed” projects; and weaknesses in the restructuring of the department of peacekeeping operations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staffs through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement

MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES IN USING LEAN TECHNIQUES IN DESIGNING A COMPREHENSIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANIZATION LOGISTICS AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the managerial challenges in using lean techniques in designing a comprehensive characterization of the organization logistics and physical distribution system. The study further sought to determine the extent to which these challenges impact the logistics and physical distribution of goods and informed managerial practices.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The results revealed that DFS did face various challenges in the implementation of lean strategies and that the operational difficulties experienced within its operations across field missions resulted in reduced customer satisfaction, increased supplier lead time and increased operational costs. The respondents indicated that they experienced a lack of understanding of the complexity of supply chain at the senior leadership level whereby most initiatives are tainted with personal agenda as a consequent the biggest hurdle to overcome is gaining enthusiasm and trust of the staff. They also indicated that there is a high risk of asset waste and loss due to assets remaining in stock for over one year without use. Further, they indicated that there are weaknesses in the management of construction or “self-constructed” projects; and weaknesses in the restructuring of the department of peacekeeping operations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staffs through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement

AN ANALYSIS OF LOGICAL CONSISTENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF LEAN TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES AND SERVICE DELIVERY: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the logical consistency in the application of lean techniques to improve the DFS business processes and service delivery and to create logistical pinch-points that improved the logistics and physical distribution of goods from the GSC and RSC to Field Missions.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The respondents indicated that the logical consistencies observed needed an understanding, through measurement, a reordering model that included lead time, reorder point, and safety stock. The respondents also indicated that the consistencies observed mainly relates to the overall approach of being more customer oriented while trying to optimize business processes and workflows. However, the respondents indicated that there were limitations in how the various organizations diversely applied lean concepts. There was no clear guidance provided on areas requiring higher prioritization; consistency throughout the departments, divisions and, missions when changes are applied (i.e. in structures, and functional organizational units). Additionally, lean analyzes were conducted mainly by internal resources that may not have been completely objective on areas being investigated, therefore bringing bias and subjectivity. Internal resources using lean techniques may not have been complete. Finally, the respondents indicated that there is no clear guidance yet. Policies and training have to be provided to staff prior implementing lean techniques.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is need to establish formal strategic plans to direct and align the work of the organization and supported by objectives and data-driven performance monitoring, analysis, and reporting. The study also recommends that there is a need for more efficient monitoring and evaluation of all GA resolutions and audit recommendations. The organization needs to monitor the manner of compliance with the provisions of the memorandums of understanding.

INFLUENCE OF LEAN STRATEGIES ON COST AND REDUCING NONE VALUE ADDED SERVICES IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE UN SERVICE CENTERS: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of lean strategies on cost and reducing none value added services in the operations of the UN Service Centers and to explore the extent to which the Global Service Center (GSC) and the Regional Service Center (RSC) are useful tools in fostering service delivery through a robust SCM system.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: Results revealed that the use of lean strategies had not produced any noticeable result because of its infancy. Results also revealed that the use of lean strategies assisted the DFS gained economy of scale, centralization, standardization and higher global visibility on resources across Field Missions. Furthermore, results also showed that with the use of lean strategies, the DFS was able to transfer core supply chain functions from LSD to GSC. For instance, Global Asset Management is one example, and it allowed for better global visibility of resources across the organization. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. The results revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools are quite useful, but there is still room for improvement. The results also revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools have strengthened the Department's capacity as well as the asset management. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends the incorporation of balanced performance knowledge in the integration of people, processes, technology and customer service level to ensure customer satisfaction while proving economy and effectiveness in dedicated resources. Shared and remote services help optimize resources, minimize the number of support staff in danger zones, balance workload and ensure business continuity. The study also recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staff through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement.