The Japanese government is considering giving another role to its peacekeeping force under the UN mission to South Sudan.

It would do this under a new international security law being enacted.

The Japanese Times reported that the government is looking at allowing the troops to guard civilians working in a place away from its position.

Such an operation is currently banned under the current Japanese peacekeeping cooperation law that is being reviewed.

There are 350 Japanese troops in the country, engaged in road and other infrastructure work.