UN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mandate by 3 Months

It's March 16th.

Here's what's happening around the world.

The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission

in Afghanistan or UNAMA for just three months.

This is shorter than the usual one-year renewal.

The decision came after the United States pushed for a review of aid and engagement in

the Taliban-controlled country.

U.N.A. has been operating since 2002 following the U.S. lit overthrow of the Taliban.

Americans are typically annual, though there was a six-month one in 2021 after the Taliban

regained power.

China, which drafted the resolution, agreed to the shorter term to allow time for discussions

on adjustments.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations' Mike Waltz raised concerns last week about UNAMA's

massive budget, the largest for any special UN mission.

He pointed to Taliban obstructions, restrictions on women's rights, and detaining Americans as

hostage diplomacy.

U.S. Council members initially backed a full-year extension.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis.

More than 17 million people, about one-third of the population, deal with acute food shortages.

Agencies aim to help 17.5 million Afghans next year, with a $1.71 billion appeal.

But it's only 10% funded, so far.

Officials warn the situation is worsening due to funding cuts.

The United States has reduced its global aid under President Trump's second term, kept

sanctions on the Taliban, and blocked access to around four.

Billion dollars in frozen Afghan central bank assets.

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