Left Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed, says Ghani

KABUL (Pajhwok): After leaving the country, President Ashraf Ghani has said he left in order to prevent bloody conflict and bloodshed.

After the Taliban reached the Kabul gates, President Ghani left the country in the afternoon, while some media reported that he traveled to Tajikistan.

Ghani on Sunday wrote on his Facebook page: “Today, I came across a hard choice; I should stand to face the armed Taliban who wanted to enter the palace or leave the dear country that I dedicated my life to protecting it for the past twenty years.”

Ghani said he left in order to avoid clashes with the Taliban that would endanger millions of Kabul residents.

“The result would have been a big human disaster in this six-million city.”

“The Taliban have made it to remove me, they are here to attack all Kabul and the people of Kabul. In order to avoid the bloodshed, I thought it was best to get out. Taliban have won the judgment of sword and guns and now they are responsible for protecting the countrymen’s honor, wealth and self-esteem,” he said.

He said the Taliban were now facing a new historical test, either they would protect the name and honor of Afghanistan or they would prioritize other places and networks.

“It is necessary for Taliban to assure all the people, nations, different sectors, sisters and women of Afghanistan to win the legitimacy and the hearts of the people. Make a clear plan to do and share it with the public”.

“I will always continue to serve my nation with an intellectual moment and a plan to develop,” he added.

Ghani, along with his close aides, flew out of Afghanistan on Sunday, paving way for Taliban to regain power 20 years after a US-led military invasion ousted them.

Shortly after his departure, Taliban commanders took control of the presidential palace in Kabul, saying they expected a total handover of power.

sa/ma