In conflict regions, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping deployments are frequently the thin line between chaos and order. African countries play an important part in these operations, not only as beneficiaries but also as key sources of peacekeeping soldiers. Africans’ involvement in UN peacekeeping deployments is critical for a variety of reasons, including cultural relevance, regional security, and the development of leadership and diplomatic abilities.
UN peacekeeping is a collaborative multinational effort with contributions from countries all over the world, guided by the principles of impartiality, permission of the parties, and non-use of force save in self-defense and defense of the mandate.
Peacekeepers are often unarmed or lightly armed, as their primary goal is to foster long-term peace rather than participate in conflict. Their presence is intended to dissuade violence and allow peace procedures to succeed.
The UN Security Council establishes peacekeeping operations, which are then sent to conflict zones with the approval of the parties concerned.
The United Nations states that military and police personnel are first and foremost members of their own national services and are then seconded to work with the UN.
Africa’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions strengthens the continent’s position in global affairs. With that said, here are the top 10 African countries with the most contributors to UN peacekeeping missions as of June 2024.
Top 10 African countries with the largest UN peacekeeping troops in 2024
| 1. | Rwanda | 5,918 | 3rd |
| 2. | Ghana | 2,644 | 7th |
| 3. | Morocco | 1,710 | 9th |
| 4. | Egypt | 1,607 | 10th |
| 5. | Tanzania | 1,540 | 11th |
| 6. | Ethiopia | 1,513 | 12th |
| 7. | Senegal | 1,163 | 13th |
| 8. | South Africa | 1,143 | 14th |
| 9. | Cameroon | 1,099 | 15th |
| 10. | Zambia | 998 | 16th |
