A member of the Afghan parliament, speaking on condition of anonymity, told EUROPE on 21 April of his concerns about the withdrawal of US and allied troops from Afghanistan.
NATO has announced a gradual withdrawal of its troops beginning 1 May (see EUROPE 12699/6).
While respecting the decision, the parliamentarian explained that “from the point of view of the majority of the Afghan people, there are fears. They are concerned that this withdrawal could lead the country to more violence and even civil war. At a time when the peace process was becoming more serious, this was not a very good decision, not only for Afghans, but also for the whole world”, he added.
The peace talks, which were due to resume in Istanbul on 24 April, were postponed because the Taliban refused to negotiate during Ramadan. This ends on 12 May. But this delay could also be a tactic to see what the situation on the ground is like after the departure of international troops and an attempt to retake the country by force.
For this elected official, the international community must therefore continue to put pressure on the Taliban and continue its support for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. According to him, these forces are currently 90 to 95% dependent on international donors for aid and support. “If they are not properly supported, it will be a disaster”, he warned.
“If we get logistical support, financial support, including special forces and the air force, we may still be able to manage the situation (on the ground) and get the Taliban to come to the negotiating table”, he said, adding that “what happens on the battlefield will determine the outcome of the negotiations”. He said that if the Taliban felt they could win on the ground, they would have no reason to come to the negotiating table.
According to the parliamentarian, fighting is currently taking place in about 20 of the country’s 34 provinces, although this number varies daily.
He also felt that his country also needs international support for education, infrastructure and development.
Asked about the departure of many Afghans to the EU - in February 2021, Afghans were the second most common nationality seeking international protection, after Syrians, according to EASO - the parliamentarian attributed this phenomenon to the conflicts in his country. “Fear and anxiety after the withdrawal decision is increasing, which could lead to more Afghan refugees coming to Europe”, he warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)