SECURITY WORRIES MUTE CELEBRATIONS ON AFGHANISTAN’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
▶ Colourful street displays contrast with indifference of citizens who are frustrated and weary of violence
Afghan security forces were on high alert yesterday as the war-weary country marked its independence day with muted celebrations.
There was an increased police presence in the capital Kabul, where president Ashraf Ghani hosted a private ceremony for dignitaries.
“All of our police units are on the highest state of alert and they are everywhere across the city,” Kabul police spokesman Abdul Basir Mujahid said.
“We have also increased the number of checkpoints in and around the diplomatic quarters,” amid fears that the Taliban would mark the anniversary with a large-scale attack.
August 19 commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919, which granted Afghanistan full independence from Britain – although the country was never part of the British empire – after three wars.
While Afghanistan’s red, black and green flag adorned many Kabul streets yesterday, the occasion was largely unobserved by citizens who are frustrated by the poor security and the lack of progress by the US-led international coalition forces.
As in recent years, there were no public ceremonies planned in the capital.
The city has been on edge since a lorry bomb exploded in its diplomatic quarter in the morning rush hour on May 31, killing 150 people, mostly civilians, and wounding about 400 in an unclaimed attack.
Taliban insurgents are at the peak of their summer fighting season and have launched assaults around the country in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Mr Ghani welcomed dozens of Afghan officials for a morning ceremony at the presidential palace and laid a wreath at the independence minaret inside the defence ministry compound.
“A very happy Independence Day to everyone in AFG,” he said on Twitter. “This day was earned with lots of sacrifices. We must pay homage and celebrate this legacy.” While some changed their Facebook profile pictures to the Afghan flag or to Amanullah Khan, the king who secured Afghanistan’s independence, others lamented that the fight against the Taliban, now in its 16th year, meant there was little to celebrate.
“What independence day are we talking about when we are still at war with terrorism and don’t seem to be winning against it?” one user wrote on Facebook.
The insurgency has hampered the country’s development despite international efforts to improve the economy and infrastructure, including an aid programme by the UAE that dates to 1977.
In a report released to coincide with the independence day, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development said it had so far allocated Dh1.2 billion towards projects in Afghanistan.
It said the funds went towards 18 projects to develop agriculture, housing, energy, transport, industry, health and social services.
Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the fund, said the UAE and its leadership remained “committed to continuing and further enhancing ties with Afghanistan”.
In the US, president Donald Trump ended a meeting of his national security team at Camp David on Friday as he tried to forge a new strategy for Afghanistan.
Mr Trump must decide if he wants to continue on the current course, which relies on a much reduced US-led Nato force to help Afghan security push back the Taliban, or try a new approach such as sending more troops or withdrawing altogether.
Gen John Nicholson, the US commander in Afghanistan, offered his congratulations on “98 years of independence”.
“We look forward to many years of continued friendship and cooperation,” Gen Nicholson said.
Afghan pop star Aryana Sayeed, who has been likened to Kim Kardashian for her skintight clothing and selfies, had said she would stage a concert despite threats from the country’s conservative elements who oppose women performing in public.
“The concert will 100 per cent be held on Saturday evening,” Sayeed said yesterday.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development said it had so far allocated Dh1.2 billion towards projects in Afghanistan