The United Nations Security Council approved a significant reduction in peacekeeping personnel for South Sudan on Thursday, cutting troop levels from 17,000 to 12,000 as the African nation continues to struggle with political turmoil and renewed violence.
The resolution, written by the United States, passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from Russia and China. The measure also extends the peacekeeping mission’s authorization through April 30, 2027.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz explained that the resolution aims to return the mission to its core responsibilities of maintaining peace, safeguarding civilians, and ensuring humanitarian organizations can deliver aid. “Back to basics,” Waltz told the council.
South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011 amid great optimism, but the oil-rich nation descended into brutal civil conflict by December 2013. The war pitted forces supporting President Salva Kiir, who belongs to the Dinka ethnic group, against troops backing Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer leader.
The devastating conflict claimed over 400,000 lives before ending with a 2018 peace accord that established a unity government with Kiir remaining as president and Machar serving as vice president. However, tensions escalated again when Kiir’s administration placed Machar under house arrest in March 2025, alleging he engaged in subversive behavior. Machar now confronts treason accusations.
The detention of Machar has coincided with a surge in violence and the effective collapse of the 2018 peace framework, even as the country prepares for long-delayed presidential elections scheduled for December.
Ambassador Waltz expressed American concerns that Kiir’s administration is “exploiting international support and obstructing those that are genuinely trying to help.”
Waltz detailed how UN peacekeepers documented more than 480 instances between October and March where their operations faced interference, including blocked access, prevented humanitarian deliveries, disrupted repatriation flights, and forced base closures that resulted in millions of dollars in losses.
The ambassador emphasized that America views UN peacekeeping operations as temporary measures designed to assist governments in addressing security and peace challenges.
Russia’s deputy ambassador Anna Evstigneeva opposed the troop reduction, arguing for maintaining current force levels. “The mission must be ready for any scenario and security challenges,” she stated. “It should have a sufficient level of resources for that.”
