Afghans launch protest to demand peace and stability in Kunduz province

    The protest was sparked by the deteriorating security situation in Kunduz, where two districts were seized by the Taliban in recent months.
    Protesters marching in Kundunz province. (WNV / Ahmadullah Archiwal)
    Protesters marching in Kunduz province. (WNV / Ahmadullah Archiwal)

    Civil society activists and youths launched a peaceful protest in the northern volatile province of Kunduz last week. The protesters — which included women, religious scholars and students — had gathered to demand greater stability in the province, jobs for all qualified youths, and accountability from members of the province’s Lower House of Parliament, regarding their performance over the last four years. The protest, which began on Wednesday, continued overnight and into the next day, after demonstrators installed tents.

    The protesters were responding to the deteriorating security situation in Kunduz over the last couple of months, as two of the province’s six districts, Archi and Chardara, have turned from Afghan to Taliban rule. Residents of Kunduz believe that weak governance in Afghanistan is to blame, and launched the protest to show their anger in the face of the worsening situation.

    According to one of the protest leaders, Abdul Ghafor Hotak, the provincial governor of Kunduz, along with several provincial council members, visited the protest site on Thursday, promising to take their demands to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The parliamentarians also promised that they would report their past performance to the people of Kunduz in 20 days. The protesters, however, are prepared to resume their efforts on a wider and larger scale if their demands go unmet.



    Recent Stories

    • Feature

    Aaron Bushnell opposed ‘all state-sanctioned violence’ — not just the war in Gaza

    March 15, 2024

    Before his self-immolation, Aaron Bushnell supported his friend’s conscientous objection and deeply regretted joining the military.

    • Q&A

    How Vote Uncommitted is fast becoming the most powerful force for a ceasefire

    March 6, 2024

    Organizers with Listen to Michigan explain the Vote Uncommitted campaign’s rapid growth and the power of grassroots electoral organizing on Gaza.

    • Feature

    Inside the campaign to stop the largest gas projects in Africa

    February 29, 2024

    Mozambican communities and their allies are fighting to stop the multinational gas giants and financiers behind LNG projects that will cost $50 billion.