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UN Security Council extends UNAMA mandate for three months after US review call
The United Nations Security Council has approved a three-month extension of the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), shortening the mission’s usual renewal period following a call by the United States for a review of international engagement in the country.
The council voted on Monday to continue the mission’s mandate temporarily, allowing time for further discussions among members on the future role of the UN in Afghanistan.
UNAMA was established in 2002 after US-led forces removed the Islamic Emirate from power. Its mandate has typically been renewed annually, although a six-month extension was granted in 2021 following the Islamic Emirate’s return to power to assess possible adjustments to the mission.
China, which is responsible for drafting UN resolutions on Afghanistan, said the shorter extension was agreed to accommodate requests from some council members to review and potentially adjust UNAMA’s mandate before a longer renewal is considered.
The United States had called for the review last week.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz noted that UNAMA has the largest budget of any UN special political mission and said the Security Council must carefully assess the funds allocated to it.
Waltz also criticized the IEA for obstructing the mission’s work, detaining American citizens, and maintaining strict restrictions on women’s rights.
According to diplomatic sources, China initially proposed a one-year extension supported by most council members, but Washington insisted on a three-month “technical rollover” to allow time for further evaluation.
Meanwhile, the UN has warned that Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
Acting UNAMA head Georgette Gagnon recently told the council that humanitarian needs remain urgent and have worsened due to declining international funding.
Humanitarian agencies aim to assist about 17.5 million Afghans in 2026 through a $1.71 billion aid appeal, but the plan is currently only around 10 percent funded.
The UN World Food Programme estimates that more than 17 million people in Afghanistan — roughly one-third of the population — are experiencing acute food shortages, including 4.7 million facing emergency levels of hunger.
The United States, which has reduced global aid spending during President Donald Trump’s second term, has maintained sanctions on the IEA and continues to block the release of approximately $4 billion in Afghan central bank assets held in a Swiss-based trust fund.
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Afghanistan committed to continued cooperation with UN on humanitarian and development projects: FM Muttaqi
According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan says Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has met with Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of UNAMA and Humanitarian Coordinator, for an introductory meeting.
According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian aid while also stressing the need to implement development and infrastructure projects across the country. He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate will continue its necessary cooperation with the United Nations in this regard.
Lemarquis thanked the Foreign Minister for the meeting and pledged to make full efforts in carrying out his responsibilities. He also highlighted the importance of expanding engagement and cooperation in various sectors between the two sides.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
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