Multilateral Peacekeeping Faces 50% Personnel Decline

A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals a 50% decline in personnel deployed in multilateral peacekeeping operations over the last decade, marking the lowest level in at least 25 years. By December 31, 2025, only 78,633 international personnel are expected to be deployed, a 49% decrease from 2016.

The report indicates that 58 multilateral peace operations are active across 34 countries, with significant operations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Funding for UN peace operations faces a shortfall of $2 billion, representing 35% of the total budget of $5.6 billion for 2024-2025.

The report highlights challenges such as geopolitical tensions and funding crises that hinder the deployment of peacekeeping missions, particularly in regions like Sudan and Ukraine. SIPRI experts Dr.

Ja R. van der Lijn and Dr. Claudia Pfeifer Cruz emphasize the limitations of regional organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS in effectively managing peace operations due to funding shortfalls and decision-making deadlocks.