Lebanon warns of security vacuum as UN peacekeeping withdrawal approaches

Lebanon has warned that the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from its southern border could create a security vacuum as the mission prepares to wind down under a Security Council decision.

Lebanon’s representative told the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee on 10 November that a UN presence should remain until the Lebanese army can be fully deployed throughout the country. Türkiye’s delegate also warned that withdrawal could leave a security and authority vacuum in southern Lebanon and increase the risk of escalation.

The Security Council decided in 2025 that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, should cease its operations on 31 December 2026 and begin a drawdown and withdrawal to be completed within a year. The resolution authorises limited functions during the withdrawal, including protecting UN personnel and contributing to civilian protection within the mission’s capacity.

The committee’s discussion continued an earlier debate over the future of UN peacekeeping, in which delegates raised concerns about mission closures and reductions. The UN press account of the latest meeting said host countries also stressed coordination and consent.

In Western Sahara, the UN mission’s mandate expired on 31 October after the Security Council failed to adopt either of two competing renewal proposals, according to PassBlue. A UN spokesperson said on 6 November that a liquidation team had been appointed, with responsibilities including repatriating military observers and dealing with UN equipment.

Algeria’s representative told the committee that the mission had been prevented from fulfilling its mandate and that its departure did not extinguish the right of Western Sahara’s people to self-determination. Morocco disputed Algeria’s account and said it would cooperate with the UN to ensure an orderly and safe withdrawal of personnel and equipment.

Cyprus’s representative said the UN force on the island remained necessary to prevent renewed fighting. Türkiye’s delegate stressed the importance of impartiality and local consent, saying the force should seek the agreement of the Turkish Cypriot side for activities in the UN-administered buffer zone.

Liberia’s delegate called for national ownership and sustained international support after missions leave, while Colombia urged the UN to take host countries’ priorities into account throughout decision-making.