Somalia is at a critical juncture as political deadlock over elections and transition plans intensifies. US and UK-led talks collapsed May 15, leaving legitimacy strained amid insecurity, humanitarian distress, and corruption.
Global peacekeeping operations have seen a sharp decline, reaching their lowest point since 2000, with a 49% drop from 2016 levels. A SIPRI report highlights geopolitical divisions and funding pressures, particularly affecting UN missions, as key drivers, warning of increased conflict and a weakened UN.
SIPRI reports UN peacekeeping missions are at a 25-year low in personnel due to funding shortfalls and geopolitical deadlock, risking weakened multilateral conflict management and increased civilian impact from conflicts.
The European Union has approved a 90-billion-euro loan package to support Ukraine's economic and military needs for two years, ending a months-long political deadlock triggered by a dispute over Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline. The breakthrough came after oil flows resumed to Hungary and Slovakia, which had blocked the aid since January over pipeline damage. The EU also approved new sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and over 60 additional entities.
