Brief

UN peacekeeping chief says US remains a vital partner despite $3 billion debt

Lacroix defended the value of peacekeeping while noting a 25 % cut in UN capacity.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:44:42 GMT

In an interview with France 24, UN peacekeeping chief Jean‑Pierre Lacroix said the United States continues to be "a very significant partner" despite owing $3 billion in past dues. He noted that the UN has been forced to cut about 25 percent of its capacity, but stressed that peacekeeping missions cost only 0.2 percent of global military spending and represent "a good deal".

Lacroix added that the UN is seeking resources commensurate with Security Council mandates and warned that premature mission withdrawals harm populations, citing Mali, Haiti and Darfur. He also mentioned the pending end‑of‑year shutdown of UNIFIL in Lebanon and the UN’s request to the Security Council for a continued presence, a move opposed by Israel.

Key facts

• UN peacekeeping chief Jean‑Pierre Lacroix called the US a "very significant partner" despite $3 billion owed. (france24.com)
• The UN has cut about 25 percent of its peacekeeping capacity. (france24.com)
• Peacekeeping costs this year equal 0.2 percent of global military expenditures. (france24.com)

Sources

• [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Tête à tête - US continues to be 'a very significant partner', UN peacekeeping chief says”