Only an Afghan-led peace process can bring peace to Afghanistan (original) (raw)

By analysing the US-Taliban deal and the United States-Afghan joint declaration, this SADF Focus sheds light on the current and upcoming role of the Afghan government in the intra-Afghan dialogue. It is argued that the Afghan authorities need to lead the intra-Afghan dialogue and the overall peace process. If any deal is achieved that excludes them, they will lose their remaining legitimacy, resulting in a further enhancement of the urban-rural divide. This would also give regional power sharing arrangements with local stakeholders and militant groups further momentum. Moreover, the process of institution building and public services delivery by non-governmental agents, especially the Taliban in areas under their direct control, will continue. Considering the current political crisis in Kabul, the authors highlight the need for the US to maintain an oversight role in the country, particularly a 'hands-on approach' in the negotiation between the Taliban and the Afghan authorities.