SUROBI - Members of the Elders’ Shura in the Surobi district of Kabul have reiterated their commitment to working for local peace and in support of economic development.

Speaking during a UN-backed programme on Radio Surobi, members of the Shura stressed their determination to work alongside local authorities and communities to help resolve conflicts in the interest of peace and development. They underscored the importance of unity between tribes, communities and government to help address issues affecting the district such as insecurity, illiteracy and underdevelopment.

One of the panellists Malak Hazratullah spoke of how the Shura is intervening in resolving tribal conflicts including a recent one in the Loi Kalai area that had threatened peace in the district. “It was a serious situation which was about to break into an armed confrontation” explained Hazratullah, who is also deputy head of the Shura, “We were then alerted, and quickly intervened with mediation until a solution was reached which was accepted by both sides,” he said.

Earlier this year, a mediation process supported by UNAMA and led by the Kabul Provincial Governor, Mohammad Yacoub Haidari and community leaders from 14 rural districts of the province helped two tribes locked in a longstanding conflict over a land dispute and a killing in the Uzbin valley to resolve it.

In addition to actively mediating conflicts, the Shura works on other development and civic programs including with electoral bodies and the Surobi women’s Shura to help sensitize communities on upcoming October elections. “We are currently working towards increasing the participation of women and youth in the next parliamentary and district councils elections,” said Haji Spin Gul, a panellist and member of the Shura.

UNAMA has been working with communities, authorities and media partners to support local peace initiatives in Surobi, a picturesque district located at the junction of the Kabul River and Panjshir.

The lively radio programme was supported by UNAMA’s central regional office as part of a nation-wide outreach initiative aimed at providing local communities with platforms to discuss critical issues affecting them.

UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights.