The United Nations will slash a quarter of its global peacekeeping force after the US, its largest donor, announced major funding cuts. A senior UN official confirmed on October 9 that between 13,000 and 14,000 peacekeepers will be withdrawn from missions in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe as part of a 25% reduction in personnel.
The decision follows US President Donald Trump’s renewed “America First” approach, which includes reducing support for international organizations. The peacekeeping budget will shrink by around 15%, affecting long-standing operations in countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres defended the missions, noting they represent “around one half of one percent of global military spending” and remain among the most cost-effective tools for international security.
Click through this gallery to learn more about the history, challenges, and evolving role of UN peacekeepers around the world.