Calls grow to reform UN peacekeeping missions
UN peacekeeping missions have received a significant boost from UN member states, who pledged their support and resources this week at the 2023 ministerial meeting in Ghana's capital, Accra.
Nearly 75 years after the first UN peacekeeping mission was established, more than two million peacekeepers from 158 countries have served in 71 operations.
But in the past decade, UN peacekeeping missions have faced many challenges, including reputational damage and mistrust, particularly in Africa.
In Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, UN peacekeeping missions haven't achieved their goals and have often been accused of escalating tensions.
Both countries have called for an end to the peacekeeping missions in their respective nations and the blue helmets are already withdrawing from Mali following a request by the ruling junta.
Such reactions have cast doubt on the continuous relevance of peacekeeping missions worldwide, but delegates attending the fifth UN peacekeeping ministerial gathering in Accra have re-echoed their support.
UN peacekeeping missions are ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Western Sahara, and the Central African Republic.
Support for UN peacekeeping operations
The UN Under-Secretary-General for peace operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, told DW that the commitment of all nations was essential amid the many doubts.
"We have a more divided world, we have conflicts that are multiplying, we have more threats and deteriorating security environment in most of our peacekeeping operations," Lacroix said.
The UN top official said the Accra meeting gives hope of securing the support of political leaders towards peacekeeping operations.
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