A sudden cut in US aid has left 40% of Afghanistan's population experiencing severe hunger following the closure of the USAID agency, which was a significant source of financial support.
In a harsh measure, the United States has drastically reduced its financial aid to Afghanistan, coinciding with the closure of the USAID agency. Following the US military withdrawal and the conclusion of the war in 2021, the US government continued to provide monetary support to Afghanistan, sending nearly $1 billion annually to the country under Taliban rule. This accounted for over a third of the total aid to one of the world's poorest nations.
This critical funding has largely disappeared due to the dismantling of USAID, which was essential for development and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. The abrupt cessation of aid has caused significant challenges, leading to an alarming 40% of the Afghan population suffering from severe hunger. This has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations about the potential for widespread starvation and the dire consequences for many families who rely on this support for their survival.
The implications of such a drastic reduction in aid not only affect immediate food security but also have broader socio-economic repercussions. The loss of US financial assistance may further destabilize the region and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis, highlighting the complex interplay of international politics and local welfare as Afghanistan seeks to recover from decades of conflict and instability.
