Global peacekeeping troop numbers hit 25-year low, SIPRI warns
On Monday, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlighted that ongoing geopolitical strife and a financial shortfall threaten UN-led peacekeeping efforts. By the end of 2025, fewer than 79,000 international personnel were engaged in peacekeeping, marking the lowest figure in over 25 years. In that year, there were 58 active operations, a decline below 60 for the first time since 2016. Approximately 75% of the personnel were stationed in five nations: Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lebanon. SIPRI cautioned that this reduction in peacekeeping capabilities could lead to an increase in conflicts, severely affecting civilian populations as countries move away from established norms.
Key facts
- Peacekeeping troop numbers fell to under 79,000 in 2025, the lowest in 25 years.
- 58 peacekeeping operations were active in 2025, below 60 for the first time since 2016.
- Nearly 75% of deployed staff were in five countries: Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lebanon.
- SIPRI warned that geopolitical tensions and funding crises threaten peacekeeping missions.
- The report states that declining peacekeeping capacity may lead to more conflicts with severe civilian impacts.
Entities
Institutions
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- United Nations
Locations
- Central African Republic
- South Sudan
- Somalia
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Lebanon