Afghanistan: Taliban Takes Over Kabul, President Ghani Flee From Country

Radical Islamist movement set to return to power, 20 years after being ousted by a US-led coalition over its refusal to hand over al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in its wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

In the evening, former Vice President Abdullah Abdullah announced that President Ashraf Ghani had left the country. This departure completes the rout of the last few weeks, after seven years in power during which he will not have succeeded in rebuilding his country, contrary to his promises.

President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani with his Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Mohammadi. Photo: Reuters / Afghan government

The former president left Afghanistan, leaving people in this situation. He will be accountable to God and the people will pass judgment , said Abdullah, also head of the High Council for National Reconciliation.

The main party said in a Facebook post that countless patriots would have been killed and the capital would have been destroyed if he had stayed.

“The Taliban have won […] and are now responsible for the honor, possession and self-preservation of their country.” – Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan

Defense Minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi did not mince words to denounce the president’s flight. They tied our hands behind our backs and sold the country , he said on Twitter. Cursed be Ghani and his gang.

Afghan leaders have come together to create a council that will pass over power to the Taliban. Former President Hamid Karzai announced on social networks that he will be part of this group alongside the heads of the High National Council for Reconciliation and the Hizb-e-Islami party.

Fears of abuse

Military units from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have entered the city of Kabul to provide security , Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

The Taliban also promised that they would not seek revenge on anyone, including soldiers or officials who served for the current government.

A spokesman for Islamist activists, Suhail Shaheen, confirmed to the BBC network that they expected a peaceful transfer of power in the coming days . We want an inclusive government […] which means that all Afghans will be part of it , he said.

In 10 days, the Taliban have virtually conquered all of Afghanistan Photo: Reuters

However, certain actions committed by the Taliban in recently conquered regions send a very different message. Last month, after capturing the district of Malistan, Taliban fighters went door to door to find people who collaborated with the government and loot homes, killing 27 civilians and injuring a dozen, according to the Independent Commission of the United Nations. human rights of Afghanistan.

Human Rights Watch , for its part, points out that the Taliban routinely threaten and arrest journalists, especially women and reporters who criticize the militant extremist group.

A total takeover in just 10 days

In just 10 days, the Taliban, which launched their offensive in May with the start of the final withdrawal of American and foreign troops, took control of almost the entire country.

The debacle is total for the Afghan security forces, yet funded for 20 years with hundreds of billions of dollars by the United States, and for the government.

Ashraf Ghani called on the security forces to guarantee the safety of all citizens . It is our responsibility and we will do it in the best possible way. Anyone who thinks of creating chaos or looting will be treated with force , he said in a video released ahead of the news of his flight.

The Taliban had recently taken control of two prisons near the capital, freeing thousands of prisoners, and authorities feared criminals would disturb public order.