UNAMA’s “Afghanistan Mosaic” Plan Faces Severe Criticism at Antalya Talks

DIDPress: At the fourth round of the Antalya Process talks, which began on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Antalya, Turkey, a proposal known as the “Afghanistan Mosaic”, prepared by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), has faced harsh criticism from civil society activists, experts, and political representatives.

Participants described the plan as dangerously flawed, citing its failure to recognize the role of women, civil society, and democratic forces, while politically rewarding the Taliban-led interim government in Afghanistan.

Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative in Geneva, said during the opening session that the plan identifies the Taliban as the “primary stakeholder,” relegating opposition groups, women, and human rights advocates to the status of “other stakeholders.” According to him, this undermines the vital role these groups must play in Afghanistan’s political future.

Mustafa Mastoor, Afghanistan’s former Minister of Economy, also criticized the proposal, calling it impractical and incapable of addressing the country’s political and social crises. He argued that it does not contribute to the formation of an inclusive government and fails to offer meaningful solutions.

These criticisms come despite the fact that the Mosaic plan was developed through consultations with international stakeholders and the caretaker government. Its stated objectives include forming an inclusive government, protecting human rights, and combating terrorism. Conversely, the Taliban authorities have demanded the lifting of sanctions, diplomatic recognition, and the release of frozen Afghanistan assets.

Echoing previous objections, the Antalya gathering reaffirmed the urgent need to revise the Mosaic plan to genuinely reflect the voices of the Afghanistan people—particularly women and democratic forces—within any future political framework.