Taliban Responds to US Inspector General’s Suspension of Afghanistan Operations

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, reacted to the announcement of the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction’s (SIGAR) suspension of operations by stating that the end of this agency’s work in Afghanistan will have “no impact” on the country’s situation. He added that SIGAR had no benefit for Afghanistan.

Mujahid claimed that after the withdrawal of US forces and the Taliban’s takeover, SIGAR did not play an effective role in Afghanistan, describing the reports published by the agency as “exaggerated.” He also said that SIGAR was originally established to oversee American expenditures, not for the benefit of Afghan residents.

These remarks come as SIGAR has, over the years, repeatedly criticized the transparency of financial management, the use of aid, and governance challenges in Afghanistan through its reports—reports that have consistently been met with negative reactions and denials from the Taliban administration.

Previously, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction announced that it would officially cease its activities in Afghanistan by January 31 of this year. SIGAR was established after 2008 with the mission of monitoring US aid expenditures in Afghanistan.