KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The fifth session of the ‘Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan’ concluded with a call for international support to form a transitional government in Afghanistan.
The two-day conference, hosted by the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, brought together over 90 opposition figures, activists, and journalists. Among them were Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF), and Yasin Zia, head of the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF)—two leading armed resistance factions against the Taliban.
In a statement following the event, participants denounced the Taliban’s rule as “illegitimate” and accused the group of enforcing policies of gender apartheid, forced displacement, and genocide while supporting international terrorism.
They called on the international community to take decisive action, including recognizing the resistance of the people of Afghanistan against the Taliban. They also called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to fulfill their responsibility in prosecuting Taliban leaders and addressing widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan.
The Vienna Process announced that, after extensive consultations, four key documents were approved, outlining a political roadmap, international relations, human rights, and economic development. A specialized commission was also formed to refine these plans, develop a crisis resolution strategy, and propose inclusive political structures.
The conference urged Afghan civil society groups, neighboring and regional countries, and democratic governments to endorse its roadmap as a foundation for future actions in assisting the people of Afghanistan.
“We, the participants of this conference, reaffirm our commitment to supporting a democratic, just, and free future for Afghanistan. We strive to build a broad consensus among political parties, movements, and groups to establish a rational and effective path forward for Afghanistan,” they said.
The Vienna Process has consistently emphasized the need for unity among anti-Taliban forces, recognizing it as essential for Afghanistan’s path toward stability and democracy. Previous sessions have also stressed the importance of international cooperation in shaping Afghanistan’s future.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed the fifth Vienna session as a “failed attempt.” In an interview with a local TV channel, he urged the group’s political opponents to return to Afghanistan and contribute to the country’s prosperity rather than causing disruption.
