Afghanistan’s Taliban government marks 2 years since return to power
- The capital Kabul fell on August 15, 2021, after the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile
- Supporters celebrated Tuesday but critics denounced increasing restrictions on women’s lives. ‘I see a dark future for myself’, said one
Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Tuesday marked the second anniversary of its return to power, with supporters celebrating as critics denounced ever-tightening restrictions on women’s rights.
Flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – the Taliban’s formal name for the country – fluttered across the capital Kabul, which fell on August 15, 2021, after the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile.
In the two years since, Taliban authorities have imposed their strict interpretation of Islam, with women bearing the brunt of laws the United Nations has termed “gender apartheid”.
A statement from the authorities hailed a victory that was able to “pave the way for the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan”.
“The conquest of Kabul proved once again that no one can control the proud nation of Afghanistan” and that “no invader will be allowed to threaten the independence and freedom” of the country, it said.
Hundreds of Taliban supporters, from elderly men to young boys, gathered near the abandoned US embassy building, one of the many that now stands empty – the Taliban government is still not formally recognised by any other country.