Afghanistan

Overview

Following an offensive that saw the Taliban take control of almost all districts previously held by the government, the Taliban entered the capital Kabul on 15 August and consolidated their power in Afghanistan. President Ghani and key government officials had fled the country and the Afghanistan government collapsed. The Taliban have nominated some of their members to form a government and have been in communication with a ‘coordination council’ formed by Afghan leaders to manage the transfer of power ?. Despite the Taliban’s taking control of much of the country, other resistance and armed groups started to challenge their authority ?. Uncertainties remain regarding the future of Afghan government and what form of Shariah law the Taliban intend to implement.

More than 409,000 people have been newly internally displaced by the conflict between the Taliban and  Government forces and the Taliban’s territorial expansion from May-August. Assessments and response are underway but humanitarians have limited capacity and national staff. Unified policies on humanitarian aid are not yet known, though Taliban officials in some areas have already requested that aid operations continue ?. The Taliban’s rapid advancement has raised fear and uncertainty among the population. Although the group has made public claims of amnesty, inclusiveness, and moderation, there are protection concerns for women, minorities, people in rural areas, and those affiliated with foreign entities ?.

Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters, including drought and floods. The government had declared drought conditions on 22 June. Water resources are increasingly strained owing to below-average precipitation since October 2020. Drought has triggered internal displacement, decreased livelihood opportunities, and contributed to food insecurity ?. Flooding regularly affect various parts of Afghanistan, particularly northern and eastern areas. Around 27,000 people have been affected by flooding in 2021 as at end July ?.

Latest Developments

Humanitarians responding to rising needs in Afghanistan continue to face operational challenges related to transferring funds into the country. Banks continue to follow low-risk policies in strict compliance with the sanctions against Afghanistan, even after the adoption of the humanitarian exemptions resolution 2651 by the UN Security Council in late December 2021. Prior to the Taliban takeover, 75% of public spending depended on foreign aid, which has been largely cut off. The population is increasingly coping with economic hardship by using negative strategies including skipping meals, child labour, and child marriage.  In 2022, 8.7 million people in Afghanistan are at risk of hunger, including 4.7 million children and pregnant and lactating women, at elevated risks of illness, impaired child growth, and death should they become malnourished.  Over 23 million people are in need of food assistance, with acute food shortages reported in all 34 provinces of the country. ?