UN votes to secure formal presence in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council voted on Thursday to secure a formal presence in Taliban-governed Afghanistan, as per a report by AFP news agency.

The Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan is yet to receive widespread international recognition following its takeover of the nation in August last year.

On Thursday, the UNSC approved a resolution that spells out the new one-year mandate of the UN political mission in Afghanistan, which it said was “crucial” to peace in the country. The resolution includes several strands of cooperation on the humanitarian, political and human rights fronts.

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The vote was 14 in favor, with Russia abstaining.

“This new mandate for UNAMA (the UN mission to Afghanistan) is crucial not only to respond to the immediate humanitarian and economic crisis, but also to reach our overarching goal of peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Norwegian UN ambassador Mona Juul, whose country drafted the resolution, was quoted as saying by AFP after the vote.

“The Council gives a clear message with this new mandate: UNAMA has a crucial role to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and to support the Afghan people as they face unprecedented challenges and uncertainty,” Mona Juul said.

TALIBAN GOVT IN AFGHANISTAN

In August 2021, the Taliban overran Afghanistan as the last US-led international troops departed after 20 years of war in Kabul.

Following the regime’s takeover of the nation in September last year, the Taliban announced an all-male interim government for Afghanistan, stacked with veterans of their hard-line rule from the 1990s and the 20-year battle against the US-led coalition.

The Cabinet selection had seemingly defied the many voices that had urged inclusivity and moderation.

(With inputs from AFP)

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