MWE Correspondent
The United Nations is grappling with a major funding crisis after the United States, historically the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, canceled nearly $5 billion in foreign aid previously approved by Congress.
President Donald Trump justified the cuts by criticizing inefficiencies in UN operations, alleging mismanagement and corruption in missions across Africa and other conflict zones.
Of the rescinded funds, roughly $800 million had been allocated specifically for UN peacekeeping activities worldwide, with half intended to support operations on the African continent. UN officials warn that this reduction could severely impact missions in volatile countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where peacekeepers are essential for civilian protection and regional stability. Without adequate funding, vulnerable populations may face increased risks from ongoing armed conflicts and instability.
The Trump administration has also opposed U.S. contributions to regional African missions, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which combats Al-Shabaab militants. Officials argue that funds directed toward these operations have been poorly monitored, while critics contend that cutting support undermines international security and U.S. influence abroad.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other officials have expressed alarm over the cuts, emphasizing that the organization is already struggling with a $2.7 billion shortfall in its peacekeeping budget. The funding crisis threatens not only operational effectiveness but also the morale and safety of personnel deployed in high-risk regions.
Experts note that these reductions could create gaps in protection, leaving civilians exposed to violence, disrupting humanitarian efforts, and potentially emboldening armed groups. The absence of consistent funding may also weaken the UN’s capacity to respond to new crises, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, where peacekeeping operations are critical to preventing the escalation of conflict.
Advocacy groups, diplomats, and international security analysts warn that the funding cuts could have long-term geopolitical consequences. Reduced U.S. support for peacekeeping may allow rival powers to exert greater influence in strategically important regions, diminishing the role of the UN in maintaining global peace and stability.
