UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a briefing on Afghanistan on Monday (March 10).

During this session, the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, will brief council members on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the conditions of women and girls, and recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The possible extension of UNAMA’s mandate will also be discussed.

A statement from the Security Council reads: “On Monday afternoon (10 March), the Security Council will convene for an open briefing on Afghanistan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva and a representative of Afghan civil society are expected to brief.”

“UNAMA implements projects in remote areas of Afghanistan in health, food supply, and education. This is a significant investment that is being utilized in Afghanistan,” said Aslam Danishmal, a university scholar.

“Our request to the United Nations is to act independently and make decisions about Afghanistan’s recognition without any external influence,” said Hewad Zazai, a political analyst.

Meanwhile, Roza Otunbayeva has met with Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani Qatar’s permanent representative to the UN to discuss stability in Afghanistan.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both sides stressed support for ongoing efforts toward stability and progress in Afghanistan.

According to the ministry’s statement: “During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan and ongoing efforts to support stability and developments in the country.”

“Qatar acts as a key player in the region within the framework of US interests. It can serve as a bridge between the Islamic Emirate, the US, and the world, helping to reduce existing tensions,” said Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, another political analyst.

This meeting comes as the Islamic Emirate has previously deemed UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan ineffective.

Given the current situation, the Security Council’s decision regarding UNAMA’s mandate extension could have significant political, humanitarian, and diplomatic implications for Afghanistan.