U.N. votes to cut the peacekeeping force in South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000
The U.N. Security Council voted to reduce the peacekeeping force in South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 troops, extending the mission's mandate until April 30, 2027, amid concerns over the country's fragile peace process. The resolution, drafted by the U.S., emphasizes core tasks like protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access. Despite the 2018 peace agreement, political tensions persist, particularly after Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in 2025, leading to increased violence and obstacles for peacekeepers and aid efforts.
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UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council voted Thursday to reduce the ceiling for the peacekeeping force in conflict-torn South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 troops with a mandate to prevent a return to civil war in the world’s newest nation. The vote on the U.S.-drafted resolution was 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining. It extends the mandate of the force until April 30, 2027. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council the resolution seeks to get the force “back to basics” - keeping the peace, protecting civilians and supporting access to humanitarian aid. There were high hopes when oil-rich South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a long conflict.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Washington Times.