Public confidence essential crucial

Some four months after taking office, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani hopes to finalize his 25-member ministerial team amid a heated debate over the suitability of some of his nominees. The country's parliament is refusing to approve at least seven nominees to the new cabinet because they hold dual citizenship. Moreover, one nominee is allegedly sought by Interpol to answer tax evasion charges, and two others mysteriously withdrew their candidacy.

Ghani came to power in September 2014, following a disputed poll overshadowed by fraud claims which only ended when he and his electoral rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a power-sharing deal to form a national unity government. The US-brokered agreement also created the position of chief executive officer, a post akin to prime minister, which was filled by Abdullah.

Many argue that the political vacuum created by the failure to form a cabinet has worsened Afghanistan's economic situation and emboldened the Taliban militants. The problem is compounded by the fact that the new government has coincided not only with the end of NATO's ISAF combat mission, but also with a wave of violence which has swept across the South Asian nation.

In an interview with DW, Nicholas Haysom, the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), talks about the political, economic, and security challenges for the new government and says the solution to the conflict in the country is more political rather than military.

DW: How do you assess the current political and security situation in Afghanistan?

Nicholas Haysom: Afghanistan is passing through a critical period of transition. President Ghani and CEO Abdullah have mapped out a shared vision for the country and a thoughtful, bold, and much needed reform agenda. Their sense of common purpose and clear commitments to improved governance, combating corruption, and sustainable economic growth has given rise to renewed hope and palpable sense of expectation amongst the Afghan people.

There is, however, an increasingly pressing need for a cabinet to take office and for it to join them in the hard work of implementing programs and ensuring concrete progress in addressing the multiple challenges facing the country. There are formidable challenges in the security sector.

The Government has now taken full responsibility for the security of the country. Afghan security forces are meeting the challenges of a determined insurgency with bravery and courage but at great cost. Sustained and predictable international security assistance remains vital.

The recent surge in security incidents is cause for concern. It would appear timed to coincide with the drawdown of international military forces and shows that at least some elements of the Taliban still - wrongly - believe that there can be victory on the battlefield. The increasing impact on civilians caught in the crossfire makes progress on a reconciliation process, all the more vital.

Given the increased levels of violence, are the gains made over the past decade in terms of education, women rights, and freedom of speech now at risk?

The new administration has been very clear about its firm intention to safeguard the gains made in education and women's rights, as well as protecting free speech. During my three years in Afghanistan, I have met countless brave and articulate women taking advantage of new education opportunities; participating in elections - whether as voters, electoral workers, or candidates; and providing strong representation in the National Assembly and other institutions.

The United Nations will continue working with these women, government, and civil society to protect these gains and further those rights.

In your view, what will determine the success of the new Afghan government?

It needs to enjoy the confidence of the people, to demonstrate that it is working in the interest of all Afghans so that they in turn feel they are represented by their government. It needs to operate openly and deliver on key parts of its reform agenda. The government must show its citizens that there is hope of a better tomorrow. That is a fundamental test. This support is vital because the government has to take tough and decisive reforms including tackling corruption and patronage.

Now that a new cabinet has been nominated, what are the main challenges awaiting the new Afghan government in the coming months?

The Afghan authorities face serious challenges ahead that can be grouped into three main areas: political, security and economic. The country needs for an effective government to be established; one that is capable of having its presence felt across the country.

It must address corruption and be seen to act in the service of the people. One particular need is a clear strategy and timeline in approaching an ambitious agenda of electoral reform and operationalizing parliamentary and district council elections, so as to deepen Afghan democratic foundations.

On security, the challenges are formidable. Anti-government elements will continue to test the Afghan security forces' ability to protect and secure the population. Funding to sustain security personnel and the necessary equipment is essential. It currently dominates Afghan budgetary spending and will continue to demand long-term international commitment. Economically, Afghanistan will likely be severely tested this year.

Revenue collection continues to drop and the fiscal situation is grave in a country that continues to receive extraordinary levels of international assistance. The international community will need to work with the Government of Afghanistan on concrete measures to implement the government's reform agenda in ensuring increasing self-sufficiency.

Above all is the need for peace. It is peace that is an underlying condition for greater progress in every area of life for Afghan citizens, especially personal safety, economic growth, and delivery of services.

Afghanistan's relationship with its neighbors is critical. President Ghani's visit to Pakistan, followed by an exchange of visits by senior officials to and from Kabul and Islamabad, has paved the way for a more productive and forward‐looking dialogue, and will lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between the two countries.

What will it take to achieve peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, particularly with the Taliban movement?

President Ghani and the vast majority of Afghans appreciate that peace is an absolute requirement for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The country, one of the poorest in the world, simply cannot afford the recent levels of expenditure on security in the long term.

Ultimately, the solution to the conflict in Afghanistan is political rather than military. President Ghani himself has made this clear and has extended an invitation to those who oppose the government to enter into an inter-Afghan dialogue to resolve the conflict.

Direct dialogue between the government and the armed opposition through an Afghan-led peace process is the only sustainable way forward, and I urge all stakeholders to seize this opportunity. UNAMA stands ready to support Afghan-led and owned reconciliation and political processes, and will engage all parties in support of this, in full consultation with the government.

The Beijing Declaration in November 2014 put on record the region's support for timely Afghan-led reconciliation. The region's support for Afghanistan is necessary for success on both the economic and security fronts. This is why President Ghani has invested heavily in winning over his neighbors.

What role is the UN willing to play to support the new government?

The United Nations has 60 years of engagement in Afghanistan through its agencies, funds and programs. Post 2001, UNAMA has had a political role in support of Afghan institutions and processes mandated by the Security Council.

We will continue playing a normative role, that is, monitoring and advocacy on key issues such as protection of civilians and detention. We will continue our advocacy work on women's rights and those of children in such areas as preventing their recruitment into any armed group. I believe the United Nations can make a real difference in these areas and that we have the strong backing of President Ghani in doing so.

The United Nations will also continue its good offices role. This could be in different spheres at the request of Afghan authorities including reconciliation endeavors. The UN's aid coordination role will remain, bringing together the government, donors and facilitating their relationship.

But looking beyond the immediate region, I see a key role for the United Nations in keeping global interest on Afghanistan and ensuring that international commitments are met. There are so many complex political and other challenges around the world competing for attention and support - Afghanistan cannot slide off the international community's agenda. We need to continue to provide the necessary support throughout the "Decade of Transformation."

The UN family remains committed to a long-term partnership with the country.

Nicholas Haysom is the UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The interview was conducted by Gabriel Domínguez.