Latest News
SIGAR claims almost $11 million in US funds paid to IEA government
The Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in its latest audit report that US government implementing partners paid at least $10.9 million to the Islamic Emirate government in the form of taxes, fees, import duties, or for the receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services since August 2021.
SIGAR also claimed the IEA “disrupted implementing partner activities through various means, including attempts to divert aid or infiltrate nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and interfere with their activities, which in some cases, negatively impacted the implementation of activities and diverted aid from the intended beneficiaries.”
SIGAR stated that of the $10.9 million, $10.4 million was spent on taxes; $346,839 on payments for utilities; $176,596 on fees; and $9,215 on customs duties.
SIGAR also found that the $10.9 million paid by 38 US Department of State (State), US Agency for International Development (USAID), and US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) implementing partners is likely only a fraction of the total amount of US assistance funds provided to the IEA in taxes, fees, duties, and utilities.
SIGAR reported this is because “UN agencies receiving US funds did not collect data or provide relevant information about their subawardees’ payments.”
According to SIGAR, from October 2021 through September 2023, the UN received $1.6 billion in US funding for programing in Afghanistan, approximately 63% of all US assistance funding for Afghanistan during that period.
“UN agreements with State and USAID do not include any requirements to annually report on taxes, fees, duties, or utilities incurred on US funds provided for activities in Afghanistan,” SIGAR stated.
SIGAR noted however that “implementing partners can experience significant consequences if they fail to pay the taxes, fees, duties, and utilities required by the Taliban-controlled (IEA) government of Afghanistan.”
However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in response to SIGAR’s latest report that Afghanistan’s caretaker government does not interfere in the process of distributing aid and the work of institutions.
Latest News
G7 envoys urge national dialogue for lasting stability in Afghanistan
Special Representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), including the European Union, have emphasized the importance of a national dialogue for achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting on Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, G7 special envoys issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of women's rights and urging the Islamic Emirate to fight terrorism.
The statement reads: "Achieving sustainable peace and stability requires credible governance that represents all segments of Afghan society."
The representatives also expressed concern over the IEA’s decision to ban girls from attending medical institutes, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the citizens, particularly mothers and their infants.
The statement described this ban as unacceptable and called on the Afghan authorities to lift it immediately.
Earlier, countries and international organizations had called for the removal of restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue.
In response to these concerns, IEA has repeatedly stated that it will not allow interference in the internal affairs of the country.
The G7 special envoys also expressed their concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the surrounding region, warning that terrorism remains a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. They confirmed the actions of the IEA against Daesh but stressed the need for more decisive measures.
Latest News
Afghanistan’s bright future lies in educating girls: Karzai
Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, says the demand of Afghan girls for the reopening of schools and universities is their fundamental right and adds that Afghanistan cannot have a bright future without ensuring access to education for girls.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai said: "The demand and voice of our country’s girls for education and knowledge is a rightful one and crucial for a prosperous Afghanistan."
He further emphasized, "Empowering the youth—both girls and boys—is the only way to achieve self-reliance, break the cycle of poverty, and drive the development and prosperity of society."
Karzai underscored that education is vital for Afghanistan’s growth and development, expressing hope that the doors of schools and universities for girls will be reopened as soon as possible.
Latest News
IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
-
Sport5 days ago
ATN once again seals deal to broadcast upcoming IPL across Afghanistan
-
Sport5 days ago
Lanka T10: All three matches abandoned due to rain
-
Latest News5 days ago
India hoping to import coal and marble from Afghanistan
-
Sport4 days ago
Zimbabwe’s opening ODI against Afghanistan abandoned
-
Latest News5 days ago
Fuel prices rise in Herat as winter approaches
-
Latest News5 days ago
Japan announces $27.5 million aid package to Afghanistan
-
Latest News3 days ago
Two horror accidents on Kabul-Kandahar highway leave 52 dead
-
Latest News1 day ago
Afghan men must stand with women to support viable future of country: US envoy