Taliban mark five years in power as aid groups warn of crisis - Reuters
The Taliban commemorated the fifth anniversary of its takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, a milestone that arrives amid growing alarm from humanitarian organizations about a deepening crisis in the country.
Five Years of Power
Since the rapid collapse of the previous government in August 2021, the Islamist movement has governed a nation already strained by decades of conflict, a fragile economy and recurring natural hardships. The passage of five years has not eased the hardships faced by ordinary Afghans, many of whom continue to rely on external assistance for food, medicine and basic services. Aid agencies note that the combination of limited cash flow, restricted market activity and ongoing security concerns has kept the population vulnerable.
Aid Groups Warn
Humanitarian groups operating on the ground have issued stark warnings that the situation could deteriorate further without a substantial increase in support. They point to dwindling funding streams, the impact of sanctions and the difficulty of delivering aid through a regime that imposes strict controls on movement and distribution. The warning comes as donors grapple with how to balance political considerations with the urgent need to prevent widespread suffering. Relief workers stress that any interruption in aid flows would immediately affect millions who depend on food rations, clean water and health care.
Crisis Deepens
The warning of a looming crisis is reinforced by reports of rising malnutrition rates, especially among children, and a resurgence of preventable diseases in areas where health infrastructure remains weak. Rural provinces, where agricultural output has been hit by drought and limited access to markets, are experiencing the sharpest shortfalls. Aid organizations emphasize that the lack of a stable financial base for the government hampers efforts to rebuild essential services, leaving the civilian population to bear the brunt of economic decline.
Call for Action
International partners are being urged to find mechanisms that can deliver assistance while respecting the complex political environment. The consensus among aid groups is that a coordinated approach, which includes flexible funding and negotiated access, is essential to avert a humanitarian disaster. As the Taliban marks five years in power, the spotlight remains on how the global community will respond to the escalating needs of a nation still reeling from conflict and economic hardship.
Source: Reuters · 2026-08-15