Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities marked five years since returning to power with celebrations, security displays and cultural events….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities on Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of their return to power with celebrations across the country, including a large gathering in Kabul and public displays by security personnel.
Observed as ‘Victory Day’, the anniversary was marked amid tight security, with groups of Taliban security personnel driving through Kabul while chanting slogans and carrying white flags. Helicopters were also deployed to drop flowers over parts of the capital as part of the celebrations.
A large gathering attended by officials was organised in Kabul to highlight the significance of the day, while cultural events and sports competitions were held in the capital and other Afghan cities.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, following years of fighting against US-led coalition forces. The last US soldier left the country at the end of August that year.
August 15 is observed as a public holiday under the Taliban authorities. No security incidents had been reported during the celebrations so far, according to the report.
The anniversary comes as Afghanistan continues to face significant political, humanitarian and economic challenges, despite an improvement in security since the Taliban takeover.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Thursday that the reduction in conflict had brought tangible benefits for many Afghans and created opportunities for recovery, development and regional economic cooperation.
“A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many Afghans and created opportunities to focus on recovery, development and regional economic cooperation, with positive steps taken including a ban on opium poppy cultivation,” UNAMA said.
However, the UN mission also highlighted continuing challenges, particularly restrictions affecting women and girls and concerns related to terrorism. It said these issues were hindering Afghanistan’s progress towards post-conflict recovery.
UNAMA called on the ‘de facto’ authorities to take steps that could contribute to lasting stability and greater prosperity for the Afghan people.
“The last five years have shown that Afghans deeply value peace and stability after decades of war,” Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA, said.
“But sustainable peace and prosperity require more than just an absence of conflict. Afghanistan’s future depends on building a society in which the rights and potential of all Afghans are realised, and institutions are responsive and accountable,” Gagnon said.
The Taliban’s fifth year in power comes amid continued international scrutiny of its policies, particularly restrictions on women and girls, as well as efforts to address security concerns and rebuild the country’s economy.
While the authorities have emphasised the improvement in security since taking control, the UN has stressed that lasting peace will require progress beyond the reduction of armed conflict.
The anniversary celebrations in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan reflected the Taliban’s efforts to portray the takeover as a national victory, while international organisations continue to call for broader measures to ensure stability, rights and development.
