UN Security Council Votes to Reduce Peacekeeping Force in South Sudan

SadaNews - The United Nations Security Council voted late Thursday in favor of reducing the maximum cap for the peacekeeping force in the conflict-torn South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 soldiers, with a mandate to prevent a return to civil war in the world's newest nation.

The vote on the resolution, drafted by the United States, passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. The resolution extends the force's mandate until April 30, 2027.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council that the resolution aims to return the force "to the basics" of peacekeeping, 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 struggle. However, the country descended into civil war in December 2013, largely driven by ethnic divisions, when forces loyal to Salva Kiir, from the Dinka ethnicity, fought those loyal to Riek Machar, of the Nuer ethnicity.

Over 400,000 people were killed in the war, which ended with a peace agreement in 2018 and a unity government that included Kiir as president and Machar as vice president. However, Kiir's government placed Machar under house arrest in March 2025, accusing him of engaging in subversive activities, and he now faces charges of treason.

Machar's ousting coincided with a sharp increase in violence and the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement, although long-delayed presidential elections are still scheduled to take place next December.

Waltz stated that the United States is concerned that Kiir's government "is exploiting international support and undermining those who are trying to help sincerely."