Two organisations in Brussels have convened a high-level conference on the growing challenges posed by Taliban rule and what participants described as the urgent need for political change in Afghanistan, South Asia Journal reports.
The three-day meeting, held from 3 to 5 December and hosted by Independent Diplomat and the European Foundation for Democracy, brought together representatives of Afghan opposition groups, EU member states, and officials from European institutions. Sources told Afghanistan International that members of the Afghanistan Freedom Front, the National Resistance Front, women’s groups, and civil society activists were among the attendees.
According to the report, the organisers hope the launch of what they called an “important political dialogue” will help generate solutions to Afghanistan’s political, security, and humanitarian crises. The magazine wrote that the “Taliban regime” has become an increasing threat not only to regional security but also to global and European security, citing widespread human rights violations, political repression, and the spread of extremism.
The two organisations did not release detailed information about the participants or discussions. Independent Diplomat, a non-profit entity, provides marginalised groups with access to political processes and high-level diplomatic engagement. The European Foundation for Democracy focuses on countering violent extremism and promoting democracy, human rights, and pluralism.
The report said the Brussels conference stressed the need for the Taliban to sever ties with terrorist groups and ensure such organisations do not operate inside Afghanistan. It also called for the “unconditional release of all foreign nationals” held in Taliban prisons. These measures were described as essential for restoring stability and legitimacy and for moving Afghanistan towards a representative political system.
According to South Asia Journal, participants argued that the Taliban’s “harsh and misguided policies” have forced millions of Afghans to flee, destabilised neighbouring regions, and placed a heavy burden on countries across the region and in Europe. The magazine said the Taliban have failed to curb cross-border militant groups, increasing instability and heightening tensions with neighbours.
The report also noted growing European concern over developments in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently said he had brief
