16 APRIL 2011 | BADGHIS PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

 

In 2009, tribal conflict between Pashtun and non-Pashtun communities in Muqur District of Badghis Province escalated to violence with loss of life on both sides.  USAID worked in collaboration with the Afghan government to engage both communities in constructive improvements to reinforce the reconciliation efforts launched by the district governor and strengthened the foundation of stability in the district.

 

USAID began assistance in May 2010, with the district government and community leaders to identify and implement activities to enhance the district government’s role as a provider of benefits for residents.  District and community leaders requested projects to rehabilitate roads linking communities with the district center, repair irrigation systems, refurbish the district government compound, and install solar lights.

 

An outcome of this effort was the deputy provincial governor and district governor leading a district tour to distribute humanitarian assistance and hear community concerns.  Following this successful collaboration, USAID and the Afghan government joined forces on an additional 22 projects between May and December 2010.

 

During the USAID-sponsored closing ceremony in January, Pashtun and non-Pashtun community members sat side-by-side, demonstrating improved stability in the district and the appreciation on both sides for the district government’s service to Muqur residents.  During the ceremony, the head of the district development assembly stated, “I see both my Pashtun and non-Pashtun brothers in this ceremony.  I cannot express my gratitude for this unity and cooperation between different tribes and our government in an environment of friendship.”

 

In these efforts to improve infrastructure and provide tangible benefits, USAID worked through the Afghan government to mobilize the communities and establish the foundations for their increased cooperation.

 

USAID’s Local Governance and Community Development project works in Afghanistan’s most volatile provinces to improve stability by connecting local populations with local government to address local needs.