UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix in Lebanon brief after UN vote on force; French civil servant/diplomat heading UN PKO.
The UN is preparing to withdraw South African troops from the DRC's MONUSCO mission by the end of 2026, following President Ramaphosa's decision to realign military resources after 27 years of support. Recent developments include ongoing negotiations, a planned ceasefire monitoring mechanism, and the return of UN personnel to Goma amid renewed conflict concerns.
On March 29-30, 2026, three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon during escalating Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. A UN probe attributes one death to Israeli tank fire and two others to a Hezbollah-placed improvised explosive device. Investigations continue amid calls from Indonesia for accountability and enhanced protection for peacekeepers.
A French UN peacekeeper has died from wounds sustained during an ambush in southern Lebanon while clearing a route to an isolated UNIFIL post. France and the UN have blamed Hezbollah, which denies involvement. Lebanese authorities have launched an investigation. The UN is considering a smaller peacekeeping presence after UNIFIL's mandate ends in December 2026.