Map showing primary routes in Nimroz for the smuggling of fuel, drugs and people. (C) Alcis Holdings Limited 2021.
Report
War gains: how the economic benefits of the conflict are distributed in Afghanistan and the implications for peace. A case study on Nimroz province
Earlier this year, consultants for Lessons for Peace: Afghanistan studied the main sources of funds for different conflict actors in Nimroz. A strategic province in south-west Afghanistan that borders Iran and Pakistan, Nimroz became the first provincial capital to be taken by the insurgents.
In light of the Taliban’s rapid advance, this
research reveals the potential importance of control over cross-border
trade to the overall balance of power in the country. In doing so, it
helps explain how the group have been able to mobilise support from
erstwhile opponents through sophisticated pacts and agreements, and
provides an indication of the likely role of these bargains, and the
economic rents which underpin them, in keeping local powerholders
included in the emerging settlement.
The report annex provides a detailed technical analysis explaining how revenues were calculated and mapped.
Published: 13 August 2021
