Taliban prime minister says group not to blame for growing economic crisis

AFGHANISTAN’S Taliban prime minister defended the group’s rule in a public addres, saying it was not to blame for a worsening economic crisis and is working to repair the corruption of the ousted government.

He also dismissed international pressure for the formation of a more inclusive cabinet.

The half-hour audio played on state-run media was the first such public address by Mohammed Hassan Akhund since the Taliban captured Kabul and secured their rule over the country three months ago.

The Taliban takeover led to a shutoff of international aid and the blocking of billions of pounds in Afghan assets held abroad, worsening an already crumbling economy.

Akhund said the problems of worsening unemployment and the financial meltdown had begun under the previous, Us-backed government, adding that Afghans should not believe claims that the Taliban were to blame.

“Nation, be vigilant. Those left over from the previous government in hiding are ... causing anxiety, misleading the people to distrust their government,” he said.

The ousted government had run “the weakest system in the world”, he said, pointing to pervasive corruption.

In contrast, he said, the Taliban are eliminating corruption and have brought security around the country.

“We are trying as much as possible to solve the problems of the people. We are working overtime in every department,” Akhund said.

He added that the group had formed committees to try to resolve the economic crisis and pay salaries to government employees, who have largely gone without pay for months.

UN officials have warned of a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans plunging deeper into poverty and increasing numbers on the verge of starvation.

Afghanistan has been hit by one of its worst famines in decades, and the economic collapse has meant many people are unable to afford food.

The United States and other countries have refused to recognise the Taliban government until it includes more of Afghanistan’s ethnic and political spectrum, as well as women.