241 committee asked to assess any risks to Maldives due to situation in Afghanistan
She also asked to identify ways in which the Maldives can provide assistance to those requiring aid in the country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia
The request was made by Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Eva Abdulla has called on the committee on national security services, or the 241 committee, to assess whether Maldives faces any dangers due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
Eva, who is presiding over the sittings since Speaker Mohamed Nasheed is on leave seeking treatment for the injuries sustained in the May 6 assassination attempt, made the request via a letter addressed to 241 committee Chair and North-Hithadhoo constituency MP Mohamed Aslam.
The deputy speaker is asking the committee to assess risks to Maldives due to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, as well compile a risk assessment report. They have also been asked to obtain risk assessment reports conducted by other relevant authorities.
MP Eva also asked to identify ways in which the Maldives can provide assistance to those requiring aid in the country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
After years of training and support from the United States, Afghanistan’s security forces were unable to prevent the Taliban from overtaking their country, shortly after the US troops were withdrawn. While all US troops were to be withdrawn by the end of August, US President Joe Biden has announced the decision to keep them there "until every American is evacuated" following the takeover.
However, he stands behind the decision to move forward the deadline to withdraw US troops from the country, blaming the swift collapse of the Afghan government on the refusal of the country’s military to stand and fight in the face of the Taliban advance.
During their first official press conference after seizing Afghanistan, Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid stated that they do not wish to “repeat conflict” and that they do not have any kind of hostility or animosity with anybody, highlighting that they simply would like to “live peacefully”. Acknowledging the history between Taliban and Afghanistan, Zabiullah stated that the Taliban only wishes to offer security to Afghans after decades of war.
