U.N. votes to cut the peacekeeping force in South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 Apr 30, 2026 · Edith M. Lederer · washingtontimes.com read more » The U.N. Security Council voted Thursday to reduce the ceiling for the peacekeeping force in conflict-torn South Sudan from 17,000 to 12,000 troops with a mandate to prevent a return to civil war in the world's newest nation. Read more »