U.S. Aid Suspension Leads to Shutdown of 50 Aid Groups in Afghanistan
The suspension of U.S. aid has resulted in the closure of 50 international humanitarian organizations across 28 provinces in Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported citing Abdul Latif Nazari, the Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Economy. He called on the international community to dissociate humanitarian aid from political agendas, stressing that Afghan citizens should not bear the brunt of political decisions.
This aid suspension follows Donald Trump’s recent return to the White House, during which he halted all foreign assistance, including funds for Afghanistan, for three months. This move has exacerbated Afghanistan’s already fragile economy, causing the national currency to plummet in value.
Despite Taliban officials previously asserting their government’s independence from foreign aid, the sudden withdrawal of U.S. support has exposed significant financial vulnerabilities. The Afghan currency lost nearly 10 rupees against the U.S. dollar within a week, prompting Taliban authorities to impose controls on currency trading.
In response, the Taliban’s central bank has intervened, selling millions of dollars to stabilize the currency. However, economic experts warn that without ongoing financial assistance, achieving stability will remain a formidable challenge. The aid suspension has deepened Afghanistan’s economic crisis, leaving millions at risk and highlighting the country’s reliance on external support.
