South Sudan at a Crossroads: Why Scaling Back UN Peacekeepers Risks a Humanitarian Disaster
November 18, 2025 – A concerning demand from the South Sudanese government to drastically reduce the UN peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) in the country is raising alarm bells among humanitarian organizations and international observers. The request, including a 70% withdrawal of international forces, grounding of helicopters, and closure of protection sites, comes at a time when civilian protections are desperately needed. As someone who has followed the situation in south Sudan for years, I can tell you this move is deeply troubling and possibly catastrophic.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Civilians are facing escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Let’s break down the key issues and why scaling back UNMISS now would be a grave mistake.
A Deteriorating Security Situation
The UN’s peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has already warned the UN Security Council that diminishing UNMISS’s presence will jeopardize its core mandate: protecting civilians. This isn’t hyperbole.hear’s what the recent reports reveal:
* Rising Civilian Casualties: UNMISS documented a twofold increase in civilian deaths caused by warring parties compared to 2024.
* Deliberate Attacks on civilians: Government forces have been accused of using incendiary weapons in aerial attacks, resulting in at least 58 deaths and severe burns in Upper Nile state.
* Targeting of Humanitarian Aid: A doctors Without Borders hospital in Old Fangak was deliberately bombed, highlighting a disturbing disregard for humanitarian workers and the people they serve.
* Widespread Abuses: Clashes in Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Upper nile states are fueling killings, displacement, sexual violence, and horrific violations against children.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They represent a pattern of escalating violence and impunity. You might be wondering why the government is pushing for UNMISS to leave. Historically,the South Sudanese government has resisted international scrutiny and obstructed the mission’s work.
A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe
Beyond the immediate security concerns, South Sudan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. The situation is dire,and the proposed reduction in peacekeeping forces will only exacerbate the suffering.
* Food Insecurity: 1.3 million people are currently in urgent need of food aid, with residents of Nasir and Fangak facing a real risk of famine.
* Restricted Aid Access: The government is actively restricting access for aid organizations to conflict-affected areas controlled by opposition forces,further hindering the delivery of life-saving assistance.
This manufactured crisis, as Human Rights Watch has termed it, is pushing millions to the brink.
Why the Government’s Request is Concerning
The South Sudanese government’s rationale for scaling back UNMISS is unclear, but it’s likely rooted in a desire to operate without external oversight. Though, removing a critical layer of protection and monitoring will undoubtedly embolden perpetrators of violence and further erode accountability.
The UN is already facing a funding crisis, leading to planned office closures, staff reductions, and a decrease in deployed peacekeepers. Adding a forced withdrawal on top of these existing challenges would be devastating.
what Needs to Happen Now
The UN Security Council must act decisively to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. Here’s what’s at stake, and what needs to be done:
- reject the reduction: The security council should firmly reject any revisions to UNMISS’s operational capacity or staffing that would weaken its ability to protect civilians.
- Demand Unrestricted Access: South Sudan must be pressured to end restrictions on aid access and allow UNMISS to operate safely throughout the country.
- Strengthen Monitoring & Accountability: The mission’s early warning, protection, and human rights monitoring functions must be maintained and, if possible, strengthened.
- Increase Funding: The international community needs to step up and provide adequate funding to UNMISS to ensure it can fulfill its mandate.
The stakes are incredibly high. The people of South Sudan have already endured years of conflict and suffering. Scaling back UNMISS now would be a betrayal of their trust and a recipe for further disaster.
Resources for Further Information:
* [Radio Tamazuj: South Sudan seeks overhaul of UN mission](https