Why Alexander De Croo urges not to turn our backs on Afghanistan
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urges the international community not to abandon Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's five-year rule.
- The country faces severe challenges, including hunger affecting a third of the population and high tensions with Pakistan.
- De Croo emphasizes that continued engagement is crucial, even after the turbulent withdrawal in 2021.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo is calling on the international community to maintain its engagement with Afghanistan, even as the Taliban mark five years in power. He argues that abandoning the country would be a grave mistake, given the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding.
De Croo highlighted the dire situation in Afghanistan, where a third of the population faces hunger. Compounding these internal struggles are high tensions with neighboring Pakistan. These factors paint a grim picture of a nation grappling with multiple crises simultaneously.
Despite the chaotic withdrawal of international forces in 2021, De Croo insists that continued support and attention are necessary. His plea underscores a commitment to preventing Afghanistan from being left to its fate, emphasizing the ongoing need for international involvement to address the country's profound challenges.
Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.