Returning Former Officials Face Mixed Experiences in Post-Taliban Afghanistan

The Taliban’s Contact Commission has announced that approximately 1,388 former government officials have returned to Afghanistan over the past five years, although some have noted challenges following their return.

Return of Former Officials to Afghanistan

Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the “Taliban’s Contact Commission with Afghan Figures,” reported that in the past five years, 1,388 former officials of the Afghan government have returned to the country. This announcement was made in a report published on Saturday. Delawar added that among those returning are former ministers, deputy ministers, governors, and generals.

According to Delawar, former officials face no restrictions when exiting or returning to Afghanistan, and now any Afghan can return to the country without fear. General Dawood Waziri, a senior military official who had migrated to Britain after the collapse of the previous government, stated in an interview that he does not feel threatened for his safety as the security situation in the country has improved.

Challenges and Disappointments

However, some individuals invited by the Taliban’s Contact Commission to return to Afghanistan have reported difficulties that have forced them to leave the country once again. Zarifa Ghafari, the former mayor of Maidan Wardak, mentioned that her trip to Afghanistan was personal, intended to reunite with family and friends, but she decided to leave the country again after this visit.

She also highlighted the increasing restrictions against Afghan women, stating, “As an active woman and the mother of a daughter, I do not find it suitable to return to Afghanistan.” In response to these criticisms, Delawar emphasized that there are no restrictions on former officials and they can engage in political activities without fear.

Reasons for Return and Security Concerns

Delawar further stated that the assets of former officials are protected under a general amnesty, and no audits will be conducted against them. While reports indicate challenges for some returnees, Asif Sediqi, a former deputy of the Senate, said that many Afghans are eager to live in their homeland, although some may face issues such as detention and harassment.

It is worth noting that the international community and neighboring countries have repeatedly urged the Taliban to establish an inclusive government. Since the Taliban’s takeover, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have sought refuge in various countries due to security and human rights concerns, showing reluctance to return to Afghanistan.