JUBA– The UN Security Council voted on Thursday to extend the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for one year, while simultaneously reducing the authorized troop ceiling despite warnings of a fragile security situation.
The resolution, which passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, extends the mission until April 30, 2027. However, it lowers the troop cap from 17,000 to 12,500 soldiers.
While the mission currently has only about 9,000 soldiers on the ground due to previous budget cuts, the reduction in authorized strength drew sharp criticism from China and Russia.
“The contingency drawdown has already affected the mission’s functions in protecting civilians,” said Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei.
Diplomats noted the reduction was a compromise led by the United States to streamline the mission’s budget while maintaining a core force to oversee South Sudan’s delayed transition toward national elections.
