5 years since Taliban regained power in Afghanistan

5 years since Taliban regained power in Afghanistan

Saturday marks five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Concerns persist about the worsening humanitarian situation there, amid restrictions on women's rights and a lack of food aid reaching those in need.

The Taliban took over the capital Kabul on August 15, 2021 and seized control of the country. The group has been ruling in line with its own interpretation of Islamic law.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, said in a statement marking the anniversary that the country "has experienced a period of improved security." It pointed out that "opportunities to focus on recovery" have been created, but concerns of terrorism remain.

UNAMA also noted that the Taliban's control over women's education and employment continues to impede Afghanistan's development, and the restrictions make it difficult for the country to be "fully reintegrated into the international community."

The Taliban ban girls and women from receiving an education beyond elementary school level.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme warned this month that food aid is not sufficiently reaching locals in need due to the reduction of aid from countries and other factors.

The WFP also noted that the cost for aid has risen due to the impact of the situation in the Middle East. It said, "Roughly 3.7 million children are projected to be malnourished in 2026," and "Another 1.2 million pregnant and nursing women are also expected to face malnutrition."