One of the Taliban’s top officials has said the real test of governing is set to begin, after the group entered the Afghan capital, Kabul, and took control of the presidential palace.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who heads the Taliban’s political bureau, said in a brief video statement on Sunday that the test would begin with meeting the expectations of Afghans and resolving their problems.
Al Jazeera obtained exclusive footage of Taliban leaders, surrounded by dozens of armed fighters, addressing the media from the country’s seat of power earlier on Sunday.
They entered the palace after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country amid the Taliban’s rapid advance, which saw the group capture 26 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals in less than two weeks.
Ghani later said in a statement posted on Facebook that he fled to prevent further bloodshed.
“The Taliban have won with the judgement of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honour, property and self-preservation of their countrymen,” he said.
Foreign troops should remain in Kabul: Ex-advisor to President Ghani
The international forces sent to Afghanistan to evacuate foreign nationals should remain in the country until the Taliban keep their promises, a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani told Al Jazeera.
“Other than for evacuating diplomats and some Afghans, the international troops have to be there in Kabul for a certain time to make sure the Taliban are keeping up with their promises,” Shafiq Hamdam said.
“The Taliban have to allow the people to decide their future. They must not lead Afghanistan to become a country in chaos without any rule of law or government. They must not repeat the emirate that was there before 2001,” he added.
Al Jazeera
