The Taliban de facto government marked five years since its return to power in Afghanistan with rallies and public ceremonies in Kabul and several provinces on 15 August. Taliban officials hailed an end to conflict and foreign occupation, while critics condemned scenes of disorder and Afghan diaspora and women’s rights groups staged anti-Taliban demonstrations in 24 cities worldwide.
At a ceremony in Kabul’s Loya Jirga Hall, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi said the government had established nationwide security and ended conflict and foreign occupation. He also claimed that the Taliban had eliminated narcotics production and trafficking during its five years in power.
Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi dismissed armed groups opposing Taliban rule as “thugs” and said previous attempts to form armed opposition had failed.
The anniversary was also marked by criticism of public rallies. Footage shared by Afghanistan International and Amu TV showed Taliban supporters moving through Kabul in convoys, with reports that main roads were closed to traffic. Other videos showed controversial behaviour by participants in Kabul and Logar Province, prompting accusations of lawlessness and intimidation.
The Taliban returned to power on 15 August 2021, when its fighters entered Kabul after President Ashraf Ghani left the country. The takeover followed the Taliban’s capture of several cities during the withdrawal of US forces.
Afghans living abroad also held demonstrations against Taliban rule. Events were reported in 24 cities, including in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Canada, the United States, Finland, Austria, Sweden and Pakistan. Protesters urged the international community not to recognise the Taliban and called for accountability over alleged human rights violations.
Women’s rights groups separately condemned restrictions on women in education, employment and public life. Several organisations said they would continue campaigning against what they described as the Taliban’s repressive policies and called for international opposition to “gender apartheid” in Afghanistan.
No foreign country was observed to have publicly congratulated the Taliban de facto government on the fifth anniversary. The contrasting celebrations and protests underline the continuing dispute over Taliban rule, while criticism of the anniversary events is likely to keep attention focused on security, human rights and the group’s international standing.
