The United Nations has decided to reduce nearly one-fourth of its global peacekeeping forces across nine missions in the coming months due to a severe funding crisis and uncertainty over future US contributions, according to a senior UN official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The decision is expected to have a significant impact on countries like Bangladesh, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.
The official said that around 25 percent of soldiers and police officers, along with many civilian staff, will be withdrawn from various missions. This could mean the reduction of about 13,000 to 14,000 uniformed personnel worldwide.
The United States, which provides over 26 percent of the total peacekeeping budget, remains the largest donor, followed by China, contributing around 24 percent.
However, the US currently owes more than $2.8 billion in arrears, after President Donald Trump unilaterally canceled nearly $800 million in peacekeeping funds allocated for 2024 and 2025. The White House budget office has also proposed cutting the 2026 allocation, citing failures in missions in Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The cuts are expected to affect operations in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Kosovo, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, Western Sahara, the Golan Heights (between Israel and Syria), and Abyei, the disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also been exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs, as the organization faces a deep financial crisis during its 80th anniversary year. Experts warn that the downsizing could seriously undermine the effectiveness and impact of global peacekeeping operations, while critics describe the US move as a major blow to international peace efforts.
If the decision is implemented, Bangladesh may face notable consequences. As one of the top troop- and police-contributing countries, Bangladesh currently ranks third among all nations participating in UN peacekeeping, with 5,230 personnel, including 447 women, as of February 28, according to UN data. Nepal and Rwanda occupy the first and second positions, respectively.
Bangladesh joined UN peacekeeping in 1988, beginning with military observers in the Iran-Iraq mission, and over the past 37 years, it has become one of the most respected contributors to UN peace operations. The Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have been serving in peacekeeping missions since 1993, while the Bangladesh Police joined in 1989 through the Namibia mission, marking the country’s formal entry into the UN peacekeeping community.
