The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has unveiled a concerning trend in global peacekeeping efforts, reporting a more than 40% decline in personnel deployments to multilateral peace operations between 2015 and 2024. This significant reduction comes at a time when geopolitical tensions and funding cuts are increasingly undermining the effectiveness of these critical missions. The findings, released ahead of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, underscore the growing challenges faced by both the United Nations and regional organizations in sustaining peace operations worldwide.

In 2024, a total of 61 multilateral peace operations were active across 36 countries or territories, marking a slight decrease from the previous year. Sub-Saharan Africa remained the region with the highest number of missions, hosting 21 operations, followed by Europe with 19, and the Middle East and North Africa with 14. Despite the relatively stable number of missions, the number of international personnel deployed has plummeted, with only 94,451 personnel serving at the end of 2024, compared to 161,509 in 2015.

Dr. Claudia Pfeifer Cruz, a Senior Researcher at SIPRI, highlighted the increasing difficulties in agreeing on, deploying, and sustaining multilateral peace operations. 'This has real consequences for civilians on the ground,' she noted, pointing to the tangible impact of these challenges on conflict-affected populations. The report also sheds light on the financial difficulties plaguing peace operations, including a liquidity crisis in the UN peacekeeping budget, which has disrupted mission functionalities and raised questions about their future viability.

Looking ahead, the report anticipates continued obstacles for multilateral peace operations, driven by geopolitical divisions, funding shortages, and a shift towards militarized approaches to conflict management by host governments. These trends not only threaten the capacity of peace operations to address immediate security concerns but also risk sidelining broader objectives such as human rights and the rule of law. As the international community grapples with these challenges, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for renewed commitment and innovative solutions to sustain global peacekeeping efforts in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Sweden's Stambanan through upper Norrland has reopened for traffic between Mellansel and Västeraspby, marking the restoration of the final damaged section following derailments caused by heavy rainfall in Västernorrland on November 6-7. The railway line resumed operations at approximately 1:30 PM on October 1, allowing train companies to begin running services along the route after weeks of disruption.

The repair effort faced significant challenges due to the extensive damage to both railway infrastructure and surrounding roads. Staffan Ökvist, Regional Maintenance Manager at Trafikverket, noted that the most difficult aspect was the scope of destruction, with multiple locations requiring simultaneous attention. Initial assessment proved difficult as damaged roads hampered access to the derailment sites, forcing crews to construct new access routes and work areas before restoration could begin.

Repair work involved substantial reconstruction efforts, including installation of new railway drums, rebuilding of the track bed, and repairs to both tracks and overhead power lines. Large quantities of earth materials and railway components were transported to the sites to facilitate the restoration. The railway authority also conducted track alignment runs using specialized trains to ensure the infrastructure met operational standards before reopening.

While the line is now operational, speed restrictions remain in effect on certain sections as work continues to stabilize the track bed. Trafikverket continues to prioritize rail transport management while monitoring the infrastructure's gradual return to full capacity. This restoration completes the recovery of Sweden's northern railway network, following earlier reopenings of the Botniabanan on September 15 and Ådalsbanan on September 24.