Belt-tightening at MONUSCO, which has about 18,000 uniformed personnel, is part of a broader push by the United States, the biggest UN contributor, to cut costs. In June, the 193 UN member states agreed to a total $600 million in cuts to more than a dozen missions for the year ending June 30, 2018. Diplomats said the council was due to adopt a resolution pushing for improved accountability, transparency and effectiveness and to make peacekeepers more flexible. Critics worry that harsh cuts could harm operations in volatile African states. “Peacekeeping reform is essential, and the US should lead in demanding better performance and accountability.

Source: bd News24 September 19, 2017 15:22 UTC