RASC News Agency: The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has announced the suspension of its operations in Afghanistan due to heightened pressure from the Taliban and concerns over the safety of its personnel under the group’s control in Afghanistan.
According to media reports, the committee’s operations in Afghanistan have been on hold since Friday, March 15th. In the aftermath of the Quran burning incident in Stockholm, the Taliban have intensified their pressure on this humanitarian organization.
Andreas Stefansson, the General Director of the Swedish Committee, revealed in an interview with Radio Sweden that the organization’s activities in Afghanistan have come to a halt. He further elaborated that this decision was made at the behest of the Taliban and in consideration of the security of the committee’s staff.
Stefansson remarked, “Engaging without proper authorization can pose significant risks.” He noted, “Following the Quran burning incident in Stockholm, the Swedish Committee has persistently carried out its operations in various locations with specialized local and regional support, but the Taliban have now conveyed strong messages.”
The General Director of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan expressed optimism that the organization could continue certain activities in Afghanistan through collaborative efforts with other organizations. It is noteworthy that the Taliban declared in the month of June that all activities of foreign entities in Afghanistan would cease until the Swedish government apologizes to Muslims for the Quran burning incident in Stockholm.
In response to this announcement and pressure from the Taliban, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan declared the temporary suspension of some of its activities in Afghanistan under the control of the group. The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has served as a humanitarian organization in various sectors, including health, education, and other areas, in this country for nearly 40 years.
