Vienna Conference for a Democratic Afghanistan Commences in Austria

The fifth round of Vienna conference for a democratic Afghanistan commenced on Tuesday, 18 February, in the Austrian capital, bringing together leading Afghan anit-Taliban figures, women's rights activists, and civil society representatives.

Among the notable attendees are Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF), Yasin Zia, leader of the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF), and Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former National Security Advisor of Afghanistan.

The two-day conference aims to foster political unity among Afghanistan's political, civil, and military movements. Since the fall of the previous Afghan government, the Vienna Process has emerged as one of the most significant platforms uniting opposition groups against the Taliban.

Organisers emphasised that the fifth round of conference provides an open political space where participants will transparently discuss solutions to Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

Ali Maisam Nazary, head of foreign relations for the NRF, wrote on X that the conference includes representatives from diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) issued a statement welcoming political initiatives aimed at strengthening political groups, military fronts, women’s movements, and civil resistance efforts. The statement underlined the need for a comprehensive struggle to overthrow the Taliban regime and eradicate terrorism, extremism, and Taliban-led violence.

According to the agenda obtained by Afghanistan International, the first day features key discussions led by Hazara leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, AFF leader Yasin Zia, NRF leader Ahmad Massoud, former Afghan National Security Advisor, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former MP Khalid Pashtoon, Rahela Dostum duaghter of former Vice President Marshal Dostum, women rights activist Fawzia Koofi, and former Afghan governor Rahmatullah Yarmal.

Discussions will focus on Afghanistan’s current state, the challenges ahead, and topics such as “unity for a common goal” and “the inevitable collapse of the Taliban regime”.

The second day will address Afghanistan’s future, global perspectives on the crisis, and the conference’s final declaration. The event will conclude with a press conference.