“Afghanistan is experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis and humanitarian aid is hampered”

Lhe World Humanitarian Day, August 19, will be celebrated, within a few days, a year after the fall of Kabul and the chaotic departure of the international coalition. Against all odds, it only took a few months for the Taliban, after the Doha agreements [qui ouvraient la voie à un retrait des troupes américaines], in February 2020, to regain power, with the entry into the Afghan capital on August 15, 2021, and the symbolic occupation of the presidential palace, deserted the day before by President Ashraf Ghani. Their takeover of the country led to the deployment of international sanctions, among them the freezing of 9.5 billion US dollars (about 9.3 billion euros) of national assets and the freezing of the assets of the central bank of Afghanistan.

These sanctions triggered an unprecedented economic crisis.

In response to the potential consequences for the humanitarian community, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2615 in December 2021, providing that “Humanitarian assistance and other activities aimed at meeting the basic needs of people in Afghanistan do not constitute a violation” penalties put in place. Yet, based on the assumption that providing banking services to humanitarian organizations exposes them to fines and potential reputational damage, banks have become extremely hesitant to intervene in the country. They sometimes restrict or deny bank transfers to NGO accounts.

lifebuoy

Difficult access to cash is impacting traditional payment channels and causing disruptions in supply chains. It also limits the ability of NGOs to pay their Afghan staff and suppliers.

However, resolution 2615 comes with “red lines” vis-à-vis the new authorities. The recent elimination of Ayman Al-Zawahiri, historical leader of Al-Qaeda, suddenly activates an essential criterion. That of the injunction made to the Taliban not to maintain any link with terrorist movements which could take up residence on national territory.

The protective resolution of humanitarian aid is thus clearly suspended.

Also read the editorial: One year after the return of the Taliban, do not abandon the Afghan people

The takeover of the country by the Taliban also resulted in the immediate suspension of most development aid funding from international donors. However, it is precisely this funding that supported the vast majority of social services. The international withdrawal caused the decline, almost overnight, of basic state services and structures. In such a context, “migratory remittances” – monetary transfers from the Afghan diaspora, estimated at nearly 6 million people – act as a real lifeline.

You have 50.49% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.