Afghans commemorate five years of Taliban rule in Kabul

Afghans gathered in Kabul on Thursday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, which followed the rapid collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021. The commemorations, organized by a coalition of civil‑society groups and community leaders, took place at several public squares, most notably at the historic Babur Gardens, where participants displayed banners and held moments of silence to reflect on the nation’s recent history.

The events unfolded amid ongoing restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including limits on women’s public participation and stringent media controls. Security forces deployed by the regime maintained a visible presence to deter potential unrest, while reports indicated that a modest number of women attended, albeit without the ability to speak publicly. International observers noted that the anniversary coincided with continued humanitarian challenges, such as food insecurity affecting an estimated 22 million people, and limited progress on promised political inclusivity. The gatherings also served as a platform for families of those detained or disappeared since the takeover to voice grievances, though no official response from Taliban officials was recorded.

The commemorations concluded without major incidents, underscoring both the resilience of segments of Afghan society seeking to remember the past and the constraints imposed by the current authorities. As Afghanistan moves further into its fifth year under Taliban rule, the anniversary highlighted persistent concerns over human rights, economic hardship, and the uncertain prospects for political reconciliation.