Ahmad Massoud, leader of the Resistance Front, said at a meeting in France that establishing a legitimate government in Afghanistan does not require sending ground troops or bombing the country.
He stated that instead, those seeking to bring freedom and democracy to Afghanistan, advocating for peace, fighting “terrorism and tyranny,” and aiming to reintegrate the country into the international community, should be supported.
Massoud called support for these actors a long-term and sustainable solution. In the short term, he said countries should support civil society, independent media, and women’s organizations while maintaining pressure on the Taliban.
He also urged the international community to continue humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, but emphasized that such aid must be delivered through independent organizations—not through the Taliban or channels established by the group.
Speaking on March 16, Massoud added: “Our resistance operates on multiple fronts. Armed resistance continues by those who, under extremely difficult conditions, still stand against tyranny. Political, civil, intellectual, and diplomatic resistance also exists.”
He emphasized that the Taliban tries to present a narrative suggesting there are only two choices: the Taliban or chaos.
Massoud said an alternative exists—a neutral Afghanistan with a decentralized and pluralistic government. He added: “We need a legitimate government that reintegrates Afghanistan into the international community.” The leader of Resistance Front of Afghanistan stressed that achieving this mission clearly requires partners.
