Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former Afghan National Security Advisor and Foreign Minister, has called for the creation of an Afghan National People’s Assembly to unite political and social forces working towards Afghanistan’s independence and freedom.
Speaking at the 12th Herat Security Dialogue in Madrid on Monday, Spanta stressed the need for both peaceful and resistant approaches, stating, “At times, people have no choice but armed resistance.”
He emphasised that the proposed assembly should include all segments of Afghan society—women, men, and various political and social movements that share a vision of a free, independent, and united Afghanistan.
Spanta urged the formation of a strong and inclusive political coalition, arguing that such an alliance could pave the way for a transitional government that enjoys both domestic and international support.
He highlighted that while the pursuit of peace is essential, resistance becomes unavoidable when conflicts are imposed on the people.
“A united front can work towards building an Afghanistan free from terrorism, extremism, discrimination, illiteracy, and hostility to progress. It is time for concrete steps to be taken in this direction,” he asserted.
Addressing the rise of multiple political factions following the Taliban’s return to power, Spanta pointed out that their disunity and lack of a cohesive national agenda have hindered meaningful progress.
He also noted that the international community and regional powers have yet to adopt a unified policy on Afghanistan. Geopolitical rivalries and ideological differences, he said, have resulted in conflicting approaches towards the country, further complicating the path to peace.
“Global and regional power struggles have made securing Afghanistan’s future even more challenging,” Spanta remarked.
The Herat Security Dialogue is an annual conference that gathers representatives from various nations to discuss Afghanistan’s security and political challenges. Last year, the event was held in Tajikistan.
This year’s conference, titled “Afghanistan: Reviving Hope; Synergetic Efforts,” commenced on Monday and will continue for two days, bringing together key political figures, analysts, and policymakers focused on Afghanistan’s future.
