Afghanistan: Ousted President Ashraf Ghani in the UAE for “humanitarian reasons” | world News

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The Gulf state said ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled as the Taliban entered Kabul, is in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Mr. Ghani and his family were welcomed for “humanitarian reasons”.

This is the first time that Mr. Ghani’s whereabouts have been confirmed.

After leaving Afghanistan as the Taliban stormed the capital almost unopposed on Sunday, the Russian embassy in Kabul reportedly said he left with four cars and a helicopter full of money and had to leave some cash behind because it wouldn’t suit everyone.

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Taliban hold first press conference

“With regard to the collapse of the (outgoing) regime, it is more eloquent in the way that Ghani fled Afghanistan,” RIA quoted embassy spokesman Nikita Ishchenko as saying.

“Four cars were full of money, and they tried to put another bit of money into a helicopter, but it didn’t all fit. Some money was left lying on the tarmac,” he said, reportedly.

Mr. Ghani fled the Taliban advance at the weekend and disappeared amid widespread anger among Afghans over the collapse of the country’s security forces.

On Monday, Joe Biden criticized the political leadership of Afghanistan as he himself faced criticism for withdrawing his troops from the country.

The US president acknowledged the rise of Taliban forces and the deterioration of the Afghan army much faster than he expected, but insisted that there was no time for the withdrawal of US forces.

In his speech from the White House, he said: “Afghan political leaders surrendered and fled the country. The Afghan army collapsed, sometimes without even trying to fight.”

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In full: Biden’s speech

After his departure, Mr. Ghani said he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

“The Taliban have made it clear that they are ready to launch a bloody attack on both Kabul and the people of Kabul to overthrow me. In order to prevent bloodshed, I have decided to leave,” he said in a statement. in Facebook.

He added that the militants “have triumphed in the rule of the sword and the gun” and that they “have a responsibility to protect the honor, prosperity and self-respect of our citizens.”

The Taliban promised to maintain security and would not seek revenge against former troops and government officials, adding that it was granting amnesty to former soldiers, contractors and translators who worked with international forces.

But residents of the capital, Kabul, say groups of militants have been going door to door asking about Afghans who worked with the Americans or the ousted government.

It was not clear whether the militants were Taliban or criminals impersonating militants.

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