The year 2024 was another difficult year for the people of Afghanistan. The country remained engulfed in ongoing political, social, and economic crises that weighed heavily on its citizens. These issues, compounded by the Taliban’s continued grip on power, worsened the lives of millions.
Taliban’s Dominance and Political Stagnation
Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban have failed to address Afghanistan’s crises or establish an inclusive and transparent government. The country remained under the rule of a single group, operating without legitimacy or democratic principles. By 2024, hopes for political reform had all but vanished, with the Taliban’s governance resembling their rigid approach of the 1990s.
Despite initial promises of reform, the Taliban showed no significant change in their policies or governance style. Their approach remained rooted in the same ideologies that isolated Afghanistan both domestically and internationally.
Increased Repression and Restrictions
In 2024, the Taliban intensified their repressive measures, particularly against women and minorities. They enacted new laws under the framework of “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” criminalizing any deviation from their rules.
Among the most striking examples was the further curtailing of women’s rights. Educational institutions for girls remained closed, with new bans introduced on women studying medicine and other vital fields. This complete denial of education for women drew widespread condemnation but did not deter the Taliban from implementing these policies.
The Taliban also imposed severe religious restrictions. During the month of Muharram, they cracked down on Shia mourning ceremonies, with reports of violent incidents between Taliban forces and Shia mourners.
Another controversial decree required homes to install walls in front of windows to prevent women from being seen from the outside. This intrusion into private life not only violated personal freedoms but also risked fueling social tensions.
Economic and Humanitarian Crisis
Afghanistan’s economy continued to deteriorate, with poverty levels reaching new highs. According to UN reports, 23.7 million people required humanitarian aid, and over 15 million faced acute food insecurity. Among them, 12.5 million women and children suffered from severe malnutrition.
Efforts to address these crises were hindered by dwindling international aid. Only about 40% of the necessary funding for humanitarian programs in Afghanistan was secured, leaving millions vulnerable to starvation and disease.
Persistent Security Threats
Security challenges persisted throughout 2024. The Islamic State (ISIS-K) launched frequent attacks, targeting civilians and Taliban officials alike. Cities like Herat bore the brunt of these violent acts, resulting in significant casualties.
Even the Taliban, despite their authoritarian grip, were not immune to insecurity. In a high-profile incident, Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees, was assassinated in a suicide bombing. This attack underscored the Taliban’s inability to maintain security, even within their ranks.
A Year of Struggle for Afghans
In summary, 2024 was marked by deepening social, economic, and security challenges for Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, the country remained mired in poverty, hunger, unemployment, repression, and violence. The people of Afghanistan endured immense hardship, with little hope for relief under the current regime.
The continued dominance of the Taliban and their inability to address the nation’s pressing issues further isolated Afghanistan on the global stage, leaving its citizens to grapple with an uncertain and challenging future.
