Afghanistan’s Taliban govt marks two years since return to power

Kabul, Afghanistan — AFP

Afghanistan’s Taliban government marked on August 15 the second anniversary of their takeover of the country with celebrations and a public holiday, issuing a defiant statement commemorating their surge back to power.

Flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the name given to the country by its new rulers — fluttered at security checkpoints across the capital, which fell on August 15, 2021, when the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile.

A statement from the authorities early Tuesday hailed a victory that was able to “pave the way for the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan”.

“The conquest of Kabul proved once again that no one can control the proud nation of Afghanistan” and that “no invader will be allowed to threaten the independence and freedom” of the country, it said.

Quiet Kabul streets began to give way to convoys of Taliban members and a gathering at Massoud Square near the abandoned US embassy building.

Some of the men carried their weapons, while others snapped smiling selfies as anthems blared and young boys sold the movement’s white flag inscribed with the Islamic declaration of faith.

In Herat in the west, a crowd of Taliban supporters chanted: “Long live the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, death to the Americans.”

‘Need to celebrate’ 

As events kicked off in various cities, a military parade was cancelled in Kandahar, the cradle of the Taliban movement and from where reclusive Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada rules by decree.

It was expected to include scores of military vehicles and weapons left behind by international forces after a weeks-long chaotic withdrawal, but Akhundzada called off the parade so as not to disturb the public, provincial officials told journalists.

In Kabul, the education ministry hosted a celebration at a school in a part of the city once stacked with diplomats who are now thin on the ground — the Taliban government is still not formally recognised by any  country.

A medical student at an event at Kabul University said it was important to mark the anniversary.

“We need to celebrate today. Today marks the end of the occupation in our country, and that is a good thing,” 21-year-old Mortaza Khairi said.

The international community continues to grapple with how, and if, to engage with the Taliban authorities, with restrictions on women’s rights — squeezed from public spaces and avenues to work and education — a key obstacle in negotiations over aid and recognition.

‘Want their freedom back’ 

Afghan women ahead of the anniversary expressed fear and despair over the loss of the right to educate themselves– a handful holding small demonstrations, many of their faces covered with masks.

But Afghans also pointed to worry over an economic and humanitarian crisis in motion since the Taliban takeover, as international aid dried up and sanctions were imposed by the US and its allies.

Farmer Rahatullah Azizi said he used to earn a living off his crops but now has “just enough to eat”.

He expressed relief, however, that the security situation is better, noting he could now travel freely at night without fear of being mugged.