On Wednesday, the Taliban government commenced celebrations marking the third anniversary of their rule over Afghanistan at the former US Bagram air base. The event, which took place approximately 40 kilometers outside of Kabul, drew hundreds of attendees, including diplomats from China and Iran. The celebrations featured speeches and a military parade.
Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who was absent, delivered a statement read by his chief of staff, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to uphold Islamic rule, safeguard property and lives, and protect the nation’s dignity. Senior Taliban officials were transported to the event at Afghanistan’s largest air base, a former linchpin of US-led operations for two decades, by helicopters.
The Taliban’s takeover of the capital, Kabul, occurred on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the US-backed government and the subsequent exile of its leaders. The anniversary is observed a day earlier on the Afghan calendar.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Akhund referred to the takeover as a “decisive victory” over an “international arrogant and occupying force.” The celebrations come amidst heightened security measures in the capital and the Taliban’s spiritual home, Kandahar, due to the ongoing threat of attacks by the Islamic State group.
Since ending their 20-year insurgency, the Taliban government has consolidated its control over the country, implementing laws rooted in a strict interpretation of Islam. Despite this, the government remains unrecognized by any other state. Restrictions imposed on women, which the United Nations has deemed “gender apartheid,” remain a major point of contention.
In the days preceding the celebrations, workers were busy erecting banners and billboards across Kabul, displaying celebratory messages and the anniversary date. Vendors throughout the city sold flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Taliban government’s official name for the country. The white and black standard also fluttered over the city’s streets. Celebrations featuring athletes and poetry readings were scheduled at a stadium in the capital.
Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban movement and home to the reclusive leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, also saw heightened security and decorations. Akhundzada rules through religious edicts.
Security remains a top priority for the Taliban authorities. While many Afghans express relief at the end of 40 years of continuous conflict, the economy is in crisis, and the population is mired in a worsening humanitarian crisis. A joint statement issued by international non-governmental organizations warned of a growing aid funding gap, with 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reiterated calls for pressure on the Taliban government to lift restrictions on women, who have been barred from public life and banned from secondary and higher education.
“The third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover is a grim reminder of Afghanistan’s human rights crisis, but it should also be a call for action,” said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher for HRW.
