Ghani-Abdullah rift to increase insecurity: Senators

KABUL members on Sunday said the political tension between President Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah was confronting the country with more challenges.

Differences between President Ghani and former CEO Abdullah resurfaced after the Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Ashraf Ghani winner of presidential election.

Abdullah, who finished runner up in the presidential vote, did not accept the IEC decision and announced himself president.

The presidential election was held on September 28. Based on initial results, Ashraf Ghani secured 50.64 percent of the votes while Dr. Abdullah Abdullah secured over 39 percent of total votes.

The United States has voiced its disappointment at failure of President Ashraf Ghani and former chief executive officer Dr. Abdullah to mend fences and form an inclusive government.

“Their failure has harmed US-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonors those Afghans, Americans and coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country.”

The Meshrano Jirga on Sunday held a special meeting and discussed the rift between the two rivals.

Abdullah Qarliq, Meshrano Jirga secretary, said: that the political tention had disappointed the Afghans.

He said if the rift between the two rival leaders continued, it would lead to increased insecurity across the country.

Mohammad Hasham Alokozai, chief the house security and defense commission, said: “Leaders should address their rifts via peaceful means and establish a government acceptable to all people and continuation of such differences could face the country with further challenges.”

He added Afghan National Security Forces suffered more causalities after the US-Taliban peace deal.

Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, first deputy chairman, said: “Continuation of the political wrangling can increase insecurity that would benefit the Taliban.”

Meshrano Jirga chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar said the ongoing conflict was not good for the country and hoped the rifts would be resolved soon.

pk/ma