Norwegian People’s Aid Suspends Operations in Afghanistan

Following the 85-day suspension of US foreign aid, the Norwegian People’s Aid organization has now announced the cessation of its activities in 12 countries, including Afghanistan.

In a statement, the organization said that the US State Department has instructed them to immediately halt all activities related to US financial aid.

“The leaders of the Islamic Emirate should invest in larger projects, just as they have started work on some initiatives so that the people of Afghanistan can find employment in them,” said Ismail Zadran, an economic analyst.

Previously, the Ministry of Economy had also announced the suspension of operations of 50 aid organizations in Afghanistan.

The ministry emphasized that organizations operating in vital sectors are crucial and stressed that essential activities related to security, preventing human casualties, poverty reduction, and addressing environmental challenges should not be politicized.

Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said: “Due to the prolonged imposed wars, a significant amount of landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a serious threat to our people in various parts of the country. The suspension of certain essential activities by some foreign organizations in this area, due to changes in US policy, has led to a loss of trust in the principles and objectives of humanitarian aid and respect for human dignity under the United Nations framework worldwide.”

Unemployment and poverty have forced some Afghan citizens, particularly Kabul residents, to wait on the streets of the capital for daily wage work.

Javid, a 55-year-old man, waits daily on a Kabul street in the hope of finding a job. Supporting a family of nine, he said that over the past month, he has only found work twice.

“There is no work. You see these people—they are extremely needy. Many of them don’t even have lunch, let alone knowing how they will get through the night,” said Javid, a resident of Kabul.

Meanwhile, following the suspension of US foreign aid, the United States Agency for International Development’s website has gone offline without providing any details.

These developments come as a US senator has once again urged the country’s president to halt the weekly transfer of $40 million in aid to the Islamic Emirate.