Abdullah declares himself Afghanistan President as Ghani swears-in for second term

Afghanistan's ex-chief executive Abdullah Abdullah held a parallel inauguration declaring himself President after talks with Ashraf Ghani fell through. Kabul’s security was heightened after marathon talks to prevent formation of two clashing governments failed and Abdullah decided to hold a parallel oath ceremony.

Meanwhile, Ghani has been sworn-in for second term as President of Afghanistan following a months-long political crisis which seems to be worsening with two power centres in country. Ghani me efforts to broker a deal with Abdullah who cried foul over results and threatened to form a parallel government.

Last month, Independent Election Commission (IEC) declared incumbent Ghani as winner of presidential elections. According to IEC, Ghani secured 50.64 per cent of total votes polled, estimated as more than 1.8 million, and Abdullah got 39.52 per cent of votes. However, Abdullah accused Ghani of securing a win through voter fraud and refused to accept final results. He also claimed of establishing an “inclusive government” which caused immense worry for an alrey fragile democracy. 

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Threat of Taliban

Abdullah’s separate claim to power has created a fear of Taliban gaining ground in a political vacuum, especially when US forces have signed a deal to withdraw grually. Taliban has alrey ended partial truce with Afghan government which helped reduce violence in region.

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political climate of Afghanistan currently looks grim as Defence Minister has threatened Taliban of starting attack if y don’t stop violence within a week. Defence Minister Asullah Khalid said in a statement that Afghan forces will remain in defence mode until end of this week because of peace agreement. But Khalid warned that Afghan troops will “target enemy everywhere” if Taliban do t stop attacks by end of week.

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