AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Several days ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, Kabul residents flock to the city center to purchase food and necessities for fasting. Afghan markets usually witness a spike in food prices before Ramadan, but this year the situation is much more challenging.
Many Afghan families are running short of food amid deepening inflation, unemployment, famine, and poverty.
This is the second Ramadan since the Taliban took power in August last year, following the catastrophic withdrawal of the US.
The country’s heavily aid-dependent economy, mostly funded by international donors, has been in chaos since the Western countries suspended humanitarian aid and froze Afghan assets.
According to the United Nations’ response plan, in 2023, two thirds of the Afghan population need humanitarian assistance. That’s a record number of 28.3 million people. This will require funding of 4.6 billion dollars, making it the highest humanitarian requirement in the world.
Ramadan is a month of celebration, unity and compassion. But people in Afghanistan will mark the holy month under the shadow of multiple crises. They are awaiting solidarity and support from the international community.
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