UN extends Afghanistan mission unanimously

The UN Security Council voted unanimously to renew the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), adopting Resolution 2818 (2026) with 15 votes in favor. China, which drafted the resolution, told the Security Council members on 16 March Afghanistan faced urgent challenges requiring coordinated action.

“It is imperative that the Afghan government and the international community maintain communication, move towards each other, gradually address each other’s legitimate concerns, and help Afghanistan achieve lasting stability, development and prosperity,” Chinese Permanent Representative Fu Cong said.

Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva said Moscow welcomed Beijing’s role in brokering the text. “The outcome is a collective product stressing support for the Afghan people in finding a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan free from narcotic drugs,” she said.