Elders, Afghan, Coalition leaders discuss progress

Farah, Afghanistan (December 22) – Nearly 50 elders met with Afghan and coalition leaders in Bakwa District, Farah Province, Afghanistan Dec. 20 to discuss fostering increased security in the district through reintegration.

Six Afghan brigadier generals represented the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Border Police and National Security Dictorate. They accompanied the Regional Command-West commander and Governor of Farah.
“Locals must start to assume some responsibility for their own security,” said Afghan Brig. Gen. Dauransha Shazada, ANA 207th Corps commander.
This sentiment was echoed by the RC-West commander, Italian Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellacicco.
The insurgents’ intimidation campaign causes the decline of security and must give way to progress and reintegration, said Bellacicco.

The governments of all four provinces of RC-West plan to provide jobs for those who defect the insurgency.

They plan to utilize about $1.6 million dollars to offer former insurgents a productive life through community-based social and development programs, said Azadi Roohul Amin, Farah governor.

For this to be effective, insurgents must either take advantage of the programs or leave RC-West, said Amin.

“[We] need to make it clear to anyone with Taliban ties that they are no longer welcome here,” said Amin.

During the shura some elders revealed that when they receive coalition aid and the forces return to their bases, insurgents come steal the gifts and harass the population.

This puts locals who have received aid in a very difficult situation.

Amin listened to concerns of the elders and vowed to pave a way forward.

At the conclusion of the shura, Amin reiterated that it is vital the people of Bakwa inform authorities when insurgents are present so that they can begin to assume responsibility for their own security and future progress.