Date: September 19, 2024
No: 14
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Given the deep crises currently engulfing Afghanistan and the Taliban regime’s inability to meet the basic needs of the people of Afghanistan, the idea of forming a government in exile has recently been proposed by various political figures and groups. After careful consideration, the Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP) officially declares its position on this proposal as follows:
The ANLP firmly believes that any initiative aimed at establishing a legitimate and lawful political alternative must be founded on national consensus, social justice and the protection of fundamental rights of citizens. Through sincere and persistent efforts, political sovereignty must be restored to the people of Afghanistan.
Conditions and Principles for the Success of a Government in Exile:
1. Preserving Afghanistan’s International Legitimacy and Credibility:
The government in exile must be formed in a way to preserve Afghanistan’s political legitimacy and credibility in the international arena and serves as the true representative of the people of Afghanistan in global forums. Moreover, political and diplomatic support from various countries and international organizations must be secured.
2. National Unity and Solidarity:
The success of this initiative is contingent upon the unification of all political, social and cultural segments of Afghanistan, regardless of ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds around a shared narrative that embraces diversity and respects pluralism. This consensus will form the foundation for creating an effective and inclusive government, building public trust, and offering a source of hope for the people of Afghanistan.
3. Drafting a Comprehensive Roadmap for the Transition Period:
The government in exile, as a process, must develop a detailed roadmap for the transition period. This roadmap should include plans for political reforms, social development and the building of a consensus for a new social contract. Additionally, mechanisms to prevent the monopolization of power and ensure social justice must be established, ensuring that the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds are respected based on the principles of citizenship.
4. Enhancing Citizen Participation:
Women and the committed youth, as the driving forces of society, must be actively involved in the process of establishing the government in exile and in the key decision-making processes. Their active involvement at all levels of governance will guarantee the stability and success of this initiative.
Benefits of Establishing a Government in Exile:
The ANLP believes that if the above conditions are met, this initiative could bring the following benefits to the people of Afghanistan and the country’s future:
1. Maintaining International Authority and Legitimacy:
A government in exile could serve as the legitimate representative of the people of Afghanistan, preventing the collapse of the country’s political credibility and its total isolation on the global stage.
2. Creating a Democratic and Inclusive Structure:
This government could lay the groundwork for the transition period towards a citizen-centered sovereign state that guarantees and protects the fundamental rights of all citizens without discrimination, going beyond ethnic, religious and regional biases.
3. Combating Extremism and Terrorism:
With international support and regional cooperation, this government could play a key role in preventing Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorism and extremism, ultimately restoring political power to the people of Afghanistan.
Potential Challenges and Risks:
The ANLP is fully aware that implementing this initiative will face numerous challenges, including the lack of national consensus among political elites, external pressures and negative reactions from the current regime. Without reaching a national consensus on this idea, the political legitimacy and credibility of this plan may be compromised, leading to missed opportunities and eroding public trust.
The Position of the Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP):
The ANLP, taking a cautious and responsible approach, declares that it will only support this initiative if the principles of democracy, the guarantee of fundamental rights of citizens and social justice are rigorously upheld. The success of this initiative depends on constructive and coordinated engagement with both the international community and the people of Afghanistan. The ANLP stands ready to support and collaborate with all political and social forces striving to achieve lasting peace, stability, and the restoration of political sovereignty to the people of Afghanistan.
Should the above conditions not be fully met and national consensus not be achieved, this initiative risks failure and could lead to serious consequences, including an escalation of the political crisis, continued instability and a deepening of public mistrust.
Conclusion:
Afghanistan National Liberty Party believes that the proposal to form a government in exile, if coupled with meticulous planning, national consensus and international support could be an effective step in overcoming the current crisis and moving towards the establishment of a strong, just, and democratic state. This government must respect citizens’ fundamental rights and preserve the country’s political legitimacy, playing a crucial role in restoring stability and lasting peace to Afghanistan.
With unity and a firm commitment to the principles of democracy and social justice, we can build a better future for Afghanistan.
Leadership Council of the Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP)