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Taliban authorities mark five years ruling Afghanistan amid praise and criticism
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Taliban authorities mark five years ruling Afghanistan amid praise and criticism

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Taliban government celebrated its fifth anniversary of returning to power in Afghanistan on August 15.
  • Authorities hailed the country's "freedom" and security, while critics pointed to increasing restrictions on daily life.
  • The celebration included flag-decorated vehicles and military convoys, with plans for sporting events that women and girls are banned from attending.

Taliban authorities marked five years of rule in Afghanistan on Saturday, August 15, with celebrations that highlighted the government's claims of "freedom" and enhanced security. The anniversary saw Kabul adorned with flags, military vehicle convoys, and public gatherings, as government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared the day would be "written in golden lines in the history of Afghanistan."

will be written in golden lines in the history of Afghanistan

— Zabihullah MujahidGovernment spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid's statement on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power.

Despite the official fanfare, critics voiced concerns over the tightening restrictions imposed by the Taliban across all aspects of daily life. Afghans participated in the celebrations by decorating rickshaws and motorbikes with flags, driving through the city. New murals proclaimed, "Independence is a sign of dignity, pride and identity." Religious and patriotic music filled the air as men and young people gathered, five years after the Taliban's return to power.

Independence is a sign of dignity, pride and identity.

— MuralA slogan displayed on new murals around Kabul during the anniversary celebrations.

The authorities announced plans for a cricket match and other sporting events, underscoring the ban on girls and women attending such activities. The Taliban's return to Kabul on August 15, 2021, followed a swift military campaign that toppled the previous government amid the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces. Some abandoned foreign military vehicles, like Humvees, were paraded through the city, which also saw an increased number of checkpoints.

The biggest challenge for young people is that there aren’t many jobs

— Pirooz MirzaieA university student's perspective on the economic challenges facing young Afghans.

University student Pirooz Mirzaie, 20, acknowledged that the government has brought security and infrastructure projects, creating "plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs." However, he noted that "the biggest challenge for young people is that there aren’t many jobs." The World Bank estimates real economic growth at 4.8 percent, but GDP per capita is declining due to the return of over six million Afghans from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Although Taliban officials have established ties with several countries, including in Europe, their government is recognized only by Russia. Relations with neighboring Pakistan have deteriorated significantly, leading to conflict this year and exacerbating Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis.

the foundations of the economy

— Zabihullah MujahidGovernment spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid's statement on economic development efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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