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RFI’s correspondent in Kabul, Mikel Ayestarán, evokes the contrast between the euphoria of the Taliban for the celebrations of the first year of their coming to power and the indifference of many inhabitants of Kabul, the capital almost deserted this August 15.
Mikel Ayestarán, RFI correspondent in Kabul
The Taliban take to the streets of Kabul to celebrate what they call “the day of liberation”.
August 15, the date on which they retook power in the capital a year ago after the withdrawal of US troops, has become a holiday in the Afghan calendar.
For this occasion the Taliban chose a highly symbolic place: the former headquarters of the US embassy in Kabul. Where the American stars and stripes flag used to fly, now the white flag of the emirate flies.
Hundreds of fighters and followers of the Islamist group gathered in front of the legation of the great American enemy.
A combatant tells us that they must not be arrogant and that the priority is to work for the Afghans.
Most of the Taliban are armed and dressed in uniform. There is not a single woman in the place.
Another follower of the movement explains that it is a holy day for the mujahideen because they celebrate the liberation of Kabul.
Many of them arrive on foot, others aboard vans and armored vehicles that the United States bought from the former Afghan Army.
From the American embassy, the Islamists drive through the streets of Kabul at high speed with their vehicles. Religious prayers are heard at full volume and their white flags wave energetically.
This Taliban euphoria collides with indifference in a semi-deserted capital where what citizens really remember are the scenes of panic of this very day a year ago at the international airport. Tens of thousands of Afghans risked their lives trying to escape the Taliban who now rule them.
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