Six Months Without New UNAMA Head Despite Security Council Call for Prompt Appointment

It has been nearly six months since the end of Rosa Otunbayeva's mission as head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the UN Secretary-General has yet to appoint a successor.

One week ago, the UN Security Council extended UNAMA's mandate for another three months and insisted on appointing a new head as soon as possible. The delay has raised concerns about coordination between the international community and Afghanistan.

Political expert Syed Abadullah Sadeq said: "Every institution has a responsible person or head who is accountable. UNAMA must report the current situation in the country accurately and timely to the United Nations and other global institutions. Having a responsible person is very important."

Sohail Shaheen, acting head of the Islamic Emirate's embassy in Qatar, emphasized that UNAMA reports should be prepared based on the objective realities of the country. Shaheen added: "The UNAMA office in Afghanistan plays a fundamental role in providing humanitarian assistance to needy Afghans."

Previously, the Russian representative at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, held on the 16th of the current month, stressed consulting with Afghanistan when appointing a new UNAMA head. Moscow has also described coordination between the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and the Afghan government as important.

The Islamic Emirate has previously stated that UNAMA's performance in Afghanistan has not been beneficial and has created a negative mindset in the country.