The United Nations Security Council has voted to lower the authorized ceiling for peacekeeping troops in South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000, maintaining a mission aimed at preventing a return to civil war in the world's youngest nation.
Resolution Details
The vote on the U.S.-drafted resolution took place on Thursday, with 13 members in favor, and Russia and China abstaining. The mandate for the force has been extended until April 30, 2027.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz explained to the council that the resolution aims to refocus the mission on core objectives: maintaining peace, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian access.
Background on South Sudan's Conflict
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a prolonged struggle, with high expectations due to its oil wealth. However, the country descended into civil war in December 2013, driven largely by ethnic tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and those backing Vice President Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer.
The conflict claimed over 400,000 lives before a peace agreement was signed in 2018, leading to a unity government with Kiir as president and Machar as vice president. However, Kiir placed Machar under house arrest in March 2025 on charges of subversive activities, and Machar now faces treason charges.
Machar's removal coincided with a surge in violence and the collapse of the 2018 peace deal, though a long-delayed presidential election remains scheduled for December.
U.S. Concerns and Russian Position
Waltz expressed concern that Kiir's government is "exploiting international support and obstructing those that are genuinely trying to help." He noted that between October and March, the UN mission recorded over 480 incidents where peacekeepers were blocked, humanitarian access was denied, repatriation flights were obstructed, bases were forced to close, and millions of dollars were lost or wasted.
Waltz emphasized that the United States views UN peacekeeping missions as temporary measures to help governments navigate peace and security crises. In contrast, Russia's deputy ambassador Anna Evstigneeva argued for maintaining the mission's troop ceiling, stating that "the mission must be ready for any scenario and security challenges" and should have sufficient resources.
