(VOVWORLD) - The United Nations will cut a quarter of peacekeepers in nine of its eleven operation missions around the world in the coming months, equivalent to 13,000 to 14,000 military and police personnel.
 The UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan (Photo: United Nations) |
A senior UN official on Wednesday said on the condition of anonymity that the cuts come as a result of the latest US cuts to funding to the international organisation.
Overall, the official said that the UN will have to repatriate 25% of its total peacekeeping troops and police, as well as their equipment, and a large number of civilian staff in missions who will also be affected.
Of the 5.4 billion USD budget allocated for peacekeeping operations in the 2025–2026 period, the US was expected to contribute 1.3 billion USD and China 1.2 billion USD.
But Washington informed the UN that it will commit half of the planned payment, equal to 680 million USD.
It means the UN is now facing a projected shortfall of 16% to 17% in its peacekeeping budget.
UN peacekeeping missions are being deployed in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Lebanon, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Western Sahara, and several other regions.
The announcement has sparked growing concern over potentially severe cuts to humanitarian operations including aid convoys and support for civilians who rely heavily on international assistance.