Interview with Ron Hoffmann

Government of Canada

Ron Hoffmann
Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan
December 2008

How would you describe 2008, working in Afghanistan?

As we reflect upon the year - which is drawing to a close - I am struck by just how momentous it was. I consider it a year which has laid the foundation for 2009 to begin to be a turning point for Afghanistan. My first thought, however, is for the families, loved ones and friends of our fallen soldiers and for the civilian Canadians who have given their lives for the cause of peace during 2008. 

Notwithstanding a deterioration in security this past year, reflected by increased security incidents faced by coalition forces, greater attacks by the insurgency on the Afghan civilian population, and some notable incidents in Kabul itself, 2008 is a year in which much has happened to move Afghanistan forward and to illustrate the progress it is gradually making. It was also a transformative year for Canada's own engagement.

Reflecting on some of the more important developments, I think of the new hope and tone of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, following the election of Pakistan's new President Zadari. Bilateral relations are at the highest point since 2001.

There was a decision by the Government of Afghanistan to increase the Afghan National Army by two-thirds before the end of 2011, increasing it from 82,000 to 134,000. Its development has reached an impressive tempo in 2008, with new army graduates reaching 2,500 a month. Further illustrating the progress the Afghan National Security Forces have made, this year the Government of Afghanistan took over responsibility for security in Kabul, also a first since 2001.

In the field of governance, we have seen President Karzai take his commitments to strengthened governance, captured by the Paris Conference declaration in June, seriously with some major concrete measures. The leadership of some pivotal ministries has been replaced by proven competent new ministers, notably at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Interior. We have seen a renewed commitment to fight corruption, with the establishment of a new High Office for Anti-Corruption, and though there is still a great deal to do in this area, it is an encouraging start. The Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG), founded only at the end of last year, developed impressively in 2008 and holds the prospect of implementing some key initiatives to strengthen local governance across the country in 2009 - including some first steps in local level political reconciliation. We have also seen some tangible and ongoing progress in the fields of health, education, and infrastructure across the country in 2008.

On the international front, the Paris Conference held in June renewed the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, with some 60 countries pledging over $20 billion for reconstruction and development. Countries within the region itself have set out to re-energise a dialogue process. The G8 has positioned Afghanistan, and increasingly its neighbours and near neighbours, as a priority for the period ahead. The UN has in Kai Eide a new Special Representative in Afghanistan. And, of course, the new President-Elect of the United States has pledged a dramatic increased in development and military resources for 2009 and beyond.

Canada, meanwhile, has transformed its own strategy by rebalancing its diplomatic and development efforts to realise concrete and accelerated improvements in governance and in services delivery for the people of Kandahar. To support this effort, a significant boost in civilian deployments has been underway, effectively tripling our commitment in the second half of 2008, especially in Kandahar but also at the Embassy in Kabul. Our civilian staff are also working intimately with their Canadian Forces counterparts to align our resources to a common purpose.

What do you see for 2009?

The combined impact of these investments by the international community, of a re-energised Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship, of further advancements in Afghanistan's own security forces and institutions of governance, suggest to me that 2009 could emerge as a turning point in Afghanistan's history. The presidential and provincial council elections scheduled for 2009, in particular, represent a major opportunity to consolidate the country's democratic development and strike a blow against the forces of extremism who are trying to turn the clock back on Afghanistan's progress.

The year ahead therefore holds the potential to be a decisive one for Afghanistan and the region. There is real reason for hope and growing confidence, but there will be many challenges and risks facing this still fragile country. Extremist elements in Afghanistan and in the broader region may continue to step up efforts to thwart the aspirations of the Afghan people to live in peace and rebuild their nation. I remain confident, however, that if Afghanistan is to succeed, it will be through the continued and determined efforts of Afghans and the world community working hand in hand. And Canadians can be proud of the significant role our country will be playing in 2009 to make help make this vision a reality.