06/03/2026
Stockholm International Peacekeeping Operations (SIPRI) has issued a warning about the growing financial challenges faced by international peacekeeping operations, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, SIPRI highlighted that these operations are grappling with unprecedented challenges stemming from great-power rivalry, political instability, and widespread financial constraints.
A new report by SIPRI, released in advance of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29, reveals a concerning decline in the number of troops and personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations. At the end of 2025, the number of personnel had dropped to 78,633, marking a significant 17 percent decrease compared to the previous year. This represents the lowest level of deployment in over a quarter of a century.
SIPRI’s report warns that if these trends persist, international organizations like the United Nations may face a substantial reduction in their ability to manage global conflicts effectively.
The report also notes that the AUSSOM was established in 2025, replacing the African Union Interim Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Notably, the new mission included troops from Egypt, amidst diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia following Ethiopia’s 2024 maritime border agreement with Somaliland.
However, in a positive development, the two countries resumed their security cooperation in 2025. In February, they reached an agreement on the modalities for Ethiopian troops to participate in AUSSOM after discussions held in Mogadishu between military and intelligence officials.
AUSSOM, a peacekeeping mission, continues to face funding challenges. In September 2025, leaders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti convened to discuss funding for the mission. This meeting followed delays in implementing a cost-sharing mechanism between the United Nations and the African Union.
The UN Security Council later extended AUSSOM’s term until the end of 2026. However, they warned that a persistent funding shortfall posed a risk to the mission and urged donors to provide reliable financial support.
SIPRI, a research institute, highlighted that regional organizations like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the OSCE are increasingly grappling with political divisions and financial constraints. Dr. Claudia Pfeifer Cruz, a Senior Researcher at SIPRI, noted that these organizations are struggling with limited peacebuilding capacities and resources, facing similar challenges to the United Nations.
The report acknowledged that Ethiopia remains a significant contributor to global peacekeeping operations. However, the number of Ethiopian troops deployed abroad has decreased from over 8,300 in 2012 to 3,446 in 2025.
SIPRI also observed that no new UN-led peacekeeping operations have been approved since 2014, reflecting the growing divisions within the Security Council. Consequently, UN operations are facing a budget shortfall of approximately $2 billion by 2025, necessitating staff cuts and some activity reductions.
Despite these challenges, the report emphasized the continued strength of international support for peacekeeping operations. In April 2026, the European Union reaffirmed its support for AUSSOM with €75 million, solidifying its position as the mission’s largest contributor.
SIPRI ultimately cautioned that without sustained political and financial support, international responses to conflicts might shift towards military approaches driven by national interests, rather than collaborative multilateral efforts.