Left in the lurch, ex-jihadi leaders to form coalition

KABUL commanders, feeling marginalised after the new Council of Ministers was unveiled, plan to form a new coalition, sources told Pajhwok Afghan News on Tuesday.

Twenty-five ministers-designate and heads of two independent departments were named on Monday — 106 days after the unity government was sworn in. Based on a presidential decree, the nominees will seek a vote of confidence from MPs.

A source close to one of the former mujahideen commanders said they were unhappy with the new cabinet, which was not formed based on merit, professionalism or patriotism.

The source confided to Pajhwok Afghan News the president and chief executive had failed to meet the promises they had held out to the mujahideen during their election campaigns.

“Most of the members of the new cabinet have been part of the communist regime that was supported by the Soviet Union. We expected the mujahideen to be included in the cabinet, not those who are against us,” he remarked.

The source added the commanders in the central zone planned to form a new coalition led by Abdul Rab Rasool Sayyaf, the Dawat-i-Islami party head.

People took to social media, especially Facebook, to express their opinion regarding the new cabinet. Malik Stez, a political commentator, wrote on his page: “This is a political cabinet. Half of members belong to the president and half to the chief executive. There is no place for professionals in it.”

Ahsan Zahir, another Facebook user, wrote: “Afghanistan needs people who could actually resolve public problems. In this cabinet, half of nominees are experienced the other half aren’t.”

Abdul Latif Pidram, a member of parliament, said: “CEO Abdullah Abdullah has stabbed his own people in the back. The wounds would not heal in years to come. He has denigrated Ahmad Shah Massoud and the good wishes of Panjsher people.”

Saifur Rahman Siddique said: “This has become a government of shareholders. Ramazan Bashardost rightly points out a carpenter has been hired instead of a butcher and a butcher instead of a green grocer. This cabinet looks more like a joke.”

Others have come out in support of the cabinet and the unity government, wishing the nominees success in their endeavours to stabilise the country and bring prosperity to Afghans.

hg/mud