Divisions Between Nations Biggest Threat to UN Peacekeeping, Warns UN Peace Operations Chief
New York, NY – February 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – In a stark warning issued today, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, speaking from UN Headquarters in New York, declared that the increasing divisions and geopolitical tensions between member states pose the most significant threat to the effectiveness and future of UN Peacekeeping.
The statement comes at a time when several peacekeeping missions are facing increasing challenges, ranging from complex and volatile security environments to waning political support and financial constraints. The UN Peace Operations Chief, who remained unnamed in the press briefing due to security protocols, highlighted how these divisions are undermining the core principles upon which UN Peacekeeping is built: multilateralism, impartiality, and consent.
“UN Peacekeeping thrives on a shared commitment to global peace and security,” the official stated. “When member states are pulling in different directions, driven by national interests and geopolitical rivalries, it erodes the unity of purpose that is essential for us to operate effectively on the ground.”
The Under-Secretary-General elaborated on several ways in which these divisions manifest and impact peacekeeping operations:
- Strained Mandate Negotiations: The growing divergence in perspectives among Security Council members is making it increasingly difficult to reach consensus on the mandates of peacekeeping missions. This often leads to weaker mandates that lack the necessary resources and authority to effectively address the root causes of conflict. Recent examples include the prolonged negotiations surrounding the extension of the UN mission in the Central African Republic and the delayed deployment of a crucial stabilization force in Mali, both attributed to disagreements among Security Council members on the scope and objectives of the mandates.
- Impaired Troop and Resource Contributions: Geopolitical tensions can impact the willingness of member states to contribute troops, police, and financial resources to peacekeeping operations. Some countries may prioritize their own security concerns or be hesitant to support missions that could be perceived as furthering the interests of rival states. This can result in understaffed missions, delayed deployments, and a lack of crucial equipment, hindering their ability to protect civilians and promote sustainable peace. Reports indicate a significant drop in pledges for crucial equipment like armored vehicles and medical supplies in the past year.
- Undermining Impartiality and Consent: The perception of partiality can undermine the credibility and legitimacy of peacekeeping missions. When member states are seen as supporting particular factions or sides in a conflict, it can erode trust among local populations and hinder the mission’s ability to mediate between warring parties. Furthermore, host governments may withdraw their consent for peacekeeping operations if they perceive them as being influenced by external powers with competing agendas. The recent expulsion of UN peacekeepers from a region within the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the impact of perceived bias fueled by external political influences.
- Increased Vulnerability to Disinformation: The rise of disinformation campaigns, often fueled by state and non-state actors, is exacerbating the challenges faced by peacekeepers. These campaigns can target peacekeeping missions with false accusations of bias, incompetence, or even human rights abuses, undermining public support and eroding trust in their work. The Under-Secretary-General specifically mentioned the alarming increase in coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting UN missions on social media platforms, often originating from countries with strained relations with the UN.
The UN Peace Operations Chief stressed the urgent need for member states to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to overcome these divisions. They called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a shared understanding of the collective responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
“We need to find common ground and work together to strengthen UN Peacekeeping,” the official emphasized. “Otherwise, we risk undermining one of the most important tools we have for preventing and resolving conflicts around the world.”
The Under-Secretary-General concluded by outlining several potential solutions, including:
- Strengthening Dialogue and Diplomacy: Enhancing communication and coordination among member states, particularly within the Security Council, to bridge divides and foster consensus.
- Promoting Regional Ownership: Supporting regional organizations in leading peace efforts and tailoring peacekeeping approaches to the specific needs and contexts of each conflict.
- Improving Transparency and Accountability: Enhancing the transparency of peacekeeping operations and strengthening accountability mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct.
- Combating Disinformation: Investing in strategic communication and public outreach efforts to counter disinformation campaigns and build public trust in peacekeeping.
The statement serves as a critical reminder that the future of UN Peacekeeping hinges on the willingness of member states to put aside their differences and work together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter. The upcoming High-Level Review of Peace Operations in July 2025 will likely address these concerns in detail and propose concrete recommendations for reform. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the international community can rise to the challenge and ensure that UN Peacekeeping remains a viable and effective tool for maintaining global peace and security.
Greatest threat to UN Peacekeeping is divisions between nations, says UN Peace Operations Chief
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