The World Bank has suspended aid to Afghanistan, saying it is “deeply concerned” by the situation there, especially regarding women’s rights, after the Taliban seized power, a bank spokesperson told AFP.
“We have paused disbursements in our operations in Afghanistan and we are closely monitoring and assessing the situation,” the official said.
“We are deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and the impact on the country’s development prospects, especially for women.”
The suspension comes in the wake of the Taliban’s quick takeover of Afghanistan, as US forces prepare to leave by August 31.
Washington announced last week that it would deny the Taliban access to the country’s gold and cash reserves, the majority of which are held abroad.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also halted operations with the country, including an existing $370 million loan programme and the $340 million Kabul was due to receive from Monday’s release of Special Drawing Rights (SDR), the lender’s currency basket.
The swift takeover has resulted in heartbreaking scenes of people fleeing the country, including women who fear a return to the Taliban rule of the 1990s, when women were confined to their homes, most entertainment was banned, and stonings and public executions were used as punishments.
According to a bank source, the World Bank delayed making a statement until it had removed all of its personnel from the country, which was completed on Friday.
The spokesperson said the development lender “will continue to consult closely with the international community and development partners.”
“Together with our partners, we are exploring ways we can remain engaged to preserve hard-won development gains and continue to support the people of Afghanistan.”
According to the World Bank’s website, the country has more than two dozen ongoing development projects, with the bank providing $5.3 billion in grants since 2002.
