The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate has sharply criticized the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its performance over the past five years, accusing the mission of focusing on secondary issues while failing to effectively bridge relations between the Islamic Emirate and the international community.

Zabihullah Mujahid expressed hope that UNAMA would intensify its efforts in the coming year to help resolve outstanding issues and narrow the diplomatic gap, particularly with Western countries and the United Nations.

“UNAMA’s primary responsibility is to serve as a positive bridge between the United Nations, the countries of the world, and Afghanistan, helping bring the sides closer together and reducing the existing gap in diplomatic relations, particularly with Western countries and the United Nations,” Mujahid said.

The remarks come more than two weeks after the UN Security Council extended UNAMA’s mandate for another year on 15 June. The UN Secretary-General has yet to appoint a new head for the mission.During the Security Council meeting, Russia’s representative emphasized the importance of consulting with the Islamic Emirate regarding the appointment of UNAMA’s next chief.

UNAMA was originally established in March 2002 under UN Security Council Resolution 1401 to support reconstruction and humanitarian efforts following the fall of the previous Taliban regime. Its mandate has since been renewed periodically to address ongoing political, humanitarian, and development challenges in the country.

The Islamic Emirate’s latest comments signal a desire for the UN mission to play a more proactive diplomatic role amid continued international isolation and unresolved issues surrounding recognition, sanctions, and humanitarian assistance. (ILKHA)