Exiled Afghanistan President, Ghani Breaks Silence After Taliban Takeover

Exiled president of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani, has distanced himself from the report making the rounds about his decision to flee the country due to the Taliban’s takeover of power.

Naija News had earlier reported that the embattled president fled the country after Taliban forces invaded Kabul.

Ghani, while speaking from exile on Thursday, disclosed that he is currently in the United Arab Emirates and fled Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed.

The exiled president also addressed claims that he fled the country with $169million in his helicopter and has been given asylum in Dubai on humanitarian grounds.

Ghani, who spoke in a Facebook live broadcast, said, “What had happened 25 years ago in Afghanistan was going to take place again. That was why I fled because that needed to be avoided, a shameful development like that.”

“The dignity of Afghanistan was important for me, and that was to be ensured, so I had to leave Afghanistan to prevent bloodshed, to make sure that a huge disaster (was) avoided.”

“I left on the advice of government officials.”

“Kabul should not be turned into another Yemen or Syria overpower struggle so I was forced to leave.”

The embattled president stated that he fled the country with just a waistcoat and some clothes.

He described the allegations levelled against him as personality assassination.

“The accusations are baseless lies. You can even ask customs officials, they are baseless,” he added.

He added that he hopes to return to his country to continue justice for Afghans.

“I’m in the UAE so that disasters are avoided. I’m in consultation with others until I (can) return so that I can continue my efforts for justice for the Afghans.

“I have no intention to remain in exile,” he said.