Security Council Considers Short-Term Extension for UNAMA Mission

The UN Security Council is set to vote on Monday, March 16, on a resolution that would extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for three months, until June 17.

The council said that although China proposed extending UNAMA’s mandate for one year, the United States rejected the proposal and suggested a three-month extension so member states can review the mission’s effectiveness.

The United States said UNAMA is among the most costly UN missions, and its performance should therefore be reassessed.

Most Security Council members, along with UNAMA’s acting head, Georgette Gagnon, supported extending the mission for one year, warning that a shorter extension could reduce cooperation among UNAMA staff.

They also said a short extension could weaken the engagement of the Islamic Emirate with the mission.

The resolution also calls on the UN Secretary-General to appoint a new head of UNAMA. The term of the former UNAMA chief, Roza Otunbayeva, ended in September 2025, and the mission has since been led by her deputy, Georgette Gagnon.

The draft resolution further states that the Islamic Emirate should remove restrictions on Afghan women and girls, combat terrorism, and strengthen the management of weapons.