A US soldier point his gun towards an Afghan passenger at the Kabul airport, after a stunningly swift end to Afghanistan's 20-year war, as thousands of people mobbed the city's airport trying to flee the group's feared hardline brand of Islamist rule. Picture: Wakil Kohsar/AFP
Pretoria – The Department of International Relations said on Tuesday it has made contact with numerous South African citizens in Afghanistan, to ensure their safety, following scenes of instability playing out after Taliban militants retook Afghanistan's capital following the withdrawal of US troops.
“The department of international relations and cooperation have established, via the South African High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan that they are in contact with a number of South African nationals based in Afghanistan to ensure their safety and provide the necessary consular assistance,” said Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela.
“Any South African nationals currently in Afghanistan and in need of assistance, should kindly contact the consular section of the department at (+27) 012 351 100, islamabad.consular@dirco.gov.za or the South African High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan at (+92) 304 371 1869.”
The government on Tuesday said it has taken note of the unfolding situation in Afghanistan and is particularly concerned by the plight of thousands of displaced Afghani’s seeking safety and security amid the deepening crisis in that country.
“The South African government calls on the authority in power to ensure that the rule of law, human rights and safety of all Afghans and foreign nationals alike are protected. We wish to appeal to all military and security groups to exercise the utmost restraint and protect the lives and property of the people,” said Monyela.
“The South African government furthermore encourages all Afghan parties involved in the internal conflict to ceaselessly search for a solution through dialogue, restoration of stability and an orderly transition to a new government.”
On Sunday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, abandoning the presidential palace to Taliban fighters as the Afghanistan's civilian government in Kabul fell to dreaded Taliban fighters.
The Taliban militants have re-captured Afghanistan's capital, almost two decades after they were driven from Kabul by US troops.
Videos of desperate seeking to flee Afghanistan have emerged on social media as US President Joe Biden defended his decision to withdraw US forces after 20 years of war - the nation's longest - that he described as costing more than $1 trillion.
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