In 1983, Sudan witnessed armed conflict between the Sudanese government in the north, which sought a nation based on Arab nationalism, and anti-government forces led by Christians in the south. This armed conflict was to last for more than two decades. Thanks to mediation efforts by East African countries, the United States and others, the conflict was finally brought to an end with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005.

In March 2005 the United Nations established the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) on the basis of Security Council Resolution 1590. Its mandate was to support the implementation of the CPA, and to facilitate and coordinate the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The UNMIS continues to operate today.

On October 3, 2008, based on the International Peace Cooperation Law, the Japanese Cabinet approved the decision to carry out international peace cooperation activities in Sudan, thus allowing Japan to proactively provide personnel to help stabilize the situation in Sudan.