Over 10,000 personnel will be sent home across nine missions globally as the United Nations faces a significant reduction in its peacekeeping force, according to reports from Reuters and AP. This decision comes as the organization grapples with severe funding shortfalls, notably due to the United States’ failure to fulfill its financial obligations. A senior UN official reportedly stated that the organization will have to repatriate around 25% of its peacekeeping troops and police, along with a substantial number of civilian staff, as a result of these financial constraints.
The reductions amount to over 13,000 military and police personnel out of more than 50,000 currently deployed, with the UN support office in Somalia also affected. The peacekeeping budget is expected to see a 15% cut this year. The funding crisis has been particularly acute for the United Nations, as the United States, which contributes over 26% of mandatory peacekeeping financing, has fallen behind on its payments. As of the start of the new financial year on July 1, the US owed the UN over $1.5 billion, with total outstanding bills now exceeding $2.8 billion. The UN is anticipating a $680 million payment from the US shortly, according to the agency.
During his second term, US President Donald Trump has pursued a policy of reducing foreign expenditures, including the cancellation of $800 million in peacekeeping funds for 2024-2025. The administration has also proposed eliminating all US peacekeeping funding in 2026. These actions have significantly contributed to the financial strain on the UN. Last month, media reports indicated that the UN might need to cut $500 million from its next year’s budget and furlough 20% of its staff, with the organization potentially losing 3,000 jobs due to the uncertainty surrounding US funding.
UN peacekeepers, often referred to as blue berets or blue helmets, are deployed to assist in stabilizing conflict zones and supporting humanitarian efforts. However, critics argue that these missions are frequently underfunded, slow to respond, and hampered by weak mandates that limit their ability to take decisive action when violence escalates. The recent cuts will have significant implications for the effectiveness of UN operations in various regions, raising concerns about the organization’s ability to maintain its peacekeeping mandate amidst ongoing financial challenges.