National Movement for Peace and Justice Confirms Leadership Split Over Political Solution and Unity Push

The National Movement for Peace and Justice, led by former Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar, confirmed in a statement that five of its 17 leadership council members have separated from the group. The movement attributed the split to the dissenting members' opposition to its recent emphasis on a political solution to Afghanistan's issues and efforts to build national unity with other political and civil forces, decisions it said align with its charter.

The statement described accusations from the split members as baseless and noted that the leadership council held dozens of hours of negotiations in recent weeks to preserve cooperation while upholding the movement's goals and respecting freedom of thought and expression. It reported that 80% of founders voted last week, with 88% approving continuation of the movement's programs and unity initiatives; the opposing 8% -- 12 individuals -- announced their departure.

The movement reiterated calls on the Taliban to heed the Afghan people and international community by accepting a political solution and intra-Afghan negotiations.

Mobarez Rashidi, previously a senior leadership council member, announced the split in November 2023 on Facebook, criticizing an online "National Unity Declaration" meeting attended by figures including former Interior Minister Mohammad Omar Dawoodzai, Atta Mohammad Noor -- leader of a Jamiat Islami splinter -- and former lawmakers. Rashidi said some joined based on personal positions, but most key figures from the founding and leadership councils opposed it and did not attend. He vowed to continue his justice advocacy and provide further clarifications transparently.

Prior social media reports had circulated about the rift, amid broader criticisms of disunity among Afghan political figures.