Financing Afghanistan’s security forces

NATO and its partners agreed at the Chicago summit on continued support for Afghan security forces, including for the post-2014 period. Norway will provide NOK 150 million a year for the Afghan army and police force after 2014.

When the ISAF mission comes to an end in 2014, Norway will increase its funding for the security sector in Afghanistan, bringing its total funding to NOK 150 million a year (around NOK 60 million for the army and NOK 90 million for the police).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “Norway has been a driving force for a long-term approach to Afghanistan. We are therefore pleased that the international community is commiting itself to continued support for the Afghan security forces after the ISAF mission comes to an end and NATO’s forces are withdrawn. Norway will contribute to this effort, and we also aim to maintain our high level of civilian aid.”

When the ISAF mission comes to an end in 2014, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) will be responsible for security in the whole of Afghanistan. Then NATO will primarily have an advisory role in addition to training Afghan forces.

Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide said, “Recent developments have shown that the Afghan security forces are well prepared. When terrorists attacked Kabul and other targets in the country in April, it was Afghan forces that dealt with the situation and put the perpetrators out of action.”

After ISAF has withdrawn, the number of Afghan soldiers and police officers is to gradually be reduced from around 350 000 to around 230 000. This will still be more than Afghanistan is able to finance itself. It is therefore important that both NATO and the broader international community provide financial support.