A man loads WFP food into trucks Photo WFP/Sadeq Naseri
Afghanistan – The escalating food crisis in Afghanistan which is poised to worsen. The World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan is on the brink of discontinuing aid to an additional two million individuals, further swelling the count to 10 million people who will lose assistance this year.
During April and May, the organisation had to terminate food aid for 8 million individuals. This followed a prior reduction in rations from 75 to 50 percent for communities facing severe hunger conditions in March. As a result, roughly 1.4 million new and expectant mothers and their children are now deprived of specialised food aimed at averting malnutrition. These cuts compound the challenges faced by the WFP, which is grappling with a severe funding crisis, compelling it to curtail vital assistance even as acute hunger reaches unprecedented levels.
Afghanistan’s ongoing struggles and keeping them in a dependent state
While Afghanistan has made some progress in terms of security and development over the past year and a half, it still grapples with deep-rooted economic challenges. Given the current state of the country, this decision by the WFP becomes even more dire, as explained by Professor Muhammad Khatibi at Salaam University in Afghanistan.
“It is very concerning that in one year they cut off assistance to 10 million hungry people who are dependent on aid from outside. Our situation in Afghanistan is not very great. Due to the foreign affairs … our banks are not functioning, our money is still in the American banks. All these things impact the economy of Afghanistan.”
Although foreign aid has been a lifeline, it has become a two-sided coin, impeding the nation’s self-sufficiency and progress. Afghanistan’s economy has suffered under the weight of numerous sanctions and the United States’ strategic withholding of Afghanistan bank-assets, employing a methodical and dependent approach. Furthermore, any international bank transaction referencing Afghanistan in payment instructions faces disruptions, extending to United Nations-sanctioned food deliveries. This has severely impacted the country’s economy, making it exceptionally difficult for Afghan enterprises to function effectively.
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Seeking help from Muslims nations
It should not be the responsibility of Western nations or international organisations to assist Afghanistan. There are 52 Muslim countries worldwide, many of which are economically stable and capable of providing substantial support. These countries which have vast amounts of wealth should be coming to the aid of Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia, for example, has spent at least $6.3 billion (£4.9 billion) in sports deals since early 2021. We have seen various high profile football players moving to the country and being paid ridiculous amounts of money. Even a fraction of this money would greatly improve the condition of Afghanistan and Khatibi called on the Muslim world to “come in and take part in development projects” especially in projects related to agriculture as agriculture is the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy.
“We have to consistently work on developing the economy of Afghanistan. Developing the agriculture section of Afghanistan and other sectors. At one time we were a self-sustainable country. Why can’t we go to that stage?”
Focusing on developing Afghanistan before addressing other issues
While the media often focuses on specific issues like girls’ education in Afghanistan, the country’s overall infrastructure and economic stability must be addressed first. There is no use in focusing on girls’ education in a country where more than 10 million are going to bed hungry. Rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, ensuring food security, and stabilising the economy are prerequisites for any meaningful progress, including education and social development.
Rather than fixating on a single issue, such as the recognition of the Taliban government, the international community should prioritise a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan’s recovery. This approach should encompass various aspects, including economic development, agriculture, and infrastructure. Only then can Afghanistan truly stand on its own feet.
The US has frozen nearly $10 billion in Afghanistan’s bank assets and funds. The WFP estimates that it will need $1 billion, over the next six months, to reach a planned 21 million people with lifesaving food and nutrition assistance as well as livelihood support. These funds could go a great way in bringing Afghanistan back to normalisation.
“The media only wants to speak about one issue. Why don’t they speak about the policies [and sanctions] against us? There are other issues to discuss? Why don’t they ask the United States to remove the sanctions and give back our money? These are the things one should discuss.”
As Afghanistan faces an escalating food crisis with millions at risk of losing vital assistance, the country grapples with profound economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions and financial restrictions. In a plea for self-reliance and development, Afghanistan’s economic dependence on foreign aid becomes apparent. The Muslim world, particularly wealthier nations like Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to provide substantial support to alleviate Afghanistan’s plight. Focusing on economic development, particularly in agriculture, is paramount to rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and ensuring food security, thereby enabling meaningful progress across all sectors, including education and social development. A comprehensive approach to Afghanistan’s recovery is essential, moving beyond single-issue fixation and addressing critical policies, sanctions, and the return of frozen assets to bolster the nation’s path to normalisation.
