Shafi Dewana, also known as Commander Shafi Hazara, was a prominent Hazara military leader in Afghanistan during the early 1990s. Born in March 1964 in Chindawol, Kabul, he hailed from the Turkman Valley in Parwan Province. Shafi gained recognition for his fearless and unconventional combat tactics, often exposing himself to danger by standing atop containers and charging towards enemy lines. This audacious behavior earned him the nickname “Dewana,” meaning “mad” in Dari.
During the Afghan civil war, Shafi commanded the “Brigade Two” infantry unit of Hezb-e Wahdat, a Shia Hazara political and military organization. He played a significant role in defending West Kabul and the Hazarajat region against rival factions and the emerging Taliban forces. His leadership attracted hundreds of young Hazara men to join his brigade, which managed strategic defense lines in West Kabul. Notably, in 1992, his unit captured key government facilities, including the Ministry of Interior and several security checkpoints.
Shafi was assassinated on August 22, 1996, in Bamiyan, allegedly by associates of Karim Khalili, a fellow Hezb-e Wahdat leader. His death is viewed by many within the Hazara community as a betrayal. Initially buried in Bamiyan, his remains were later transferred to his hometown in the Turkman Valley.
Early Life and Background
Born in March 1964 in the Chindawol district of Kabul, Shafi hailed from the Turkman Valley in Parwan Province, a region associated with the Turkmun Hazara tribe. He completed his early education at Parsa Elementary School and Ansari High School in Kabul. Following his schooling, Shafi returned to his ancestral village, where he joined the Sazman Al-Nasr, a Shia mujahideen group active during the Soviet–Afghan War.
Military Career and Rise to Prominence
In 1989, several factions, including Sazman Al-Nasr, united to form Hezb-e Wahdat-e Islami Afghanistan (Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan), aiming to consolidate political and military efforts. Shafi became a key military commander within this party, leading Brigade Two, an infantry unit tasked with defending Hazara interests in West Kabul and the Hazarajat region.
His fearless and unconventional combat methods—such as exposing himself to enemy fire by standing atop containers and charging towards opposition lines—earned him the moniker “Shafi Dewana.” These tactics not only demoralized adversaries but also inspired many young Hazara men to join his ranks. Under his leadership, Brigade Two successfully captured strategic locations, including the Ministry of Interior and key security checkpoints in Kabul.
Death and Legacy
Commander Shafi Hazara was assassinated on August 22, 1996, in Bamiyan Province. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, it is alleged that his death was orchestrated by associates of Karim Khalili, a fellow Hezb-e Wahdat leader. Initially buried in Bamiyan, his remains were later transferred to his hometown in the Turkman Valley.
Within the Hazara community, Shafi is remembered as both a courageous defender and a controversial figure. His life and actions continue to be subjects of discussion and analysis, reflecting the complexities of Afghanistan’s recent history.