Former Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Rafi Dies in Germany at 79
Mohammad Rafi, a former lieutenant general and defense minister of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, died on Sunday, 10 November 2025 (19 Aqrab 1404 in the Afghan calendar), in Germany at the age of 79 due to illness.
Rafi served as Afghanistan’s Minister of Defense during two separate terms: from 1979 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1988, under the government led by the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA). He was also a vice-presidential candidate in the 1988 elections under the leadership of President Dr. Najibullah.
Born in 1946 in Paghman district, Kabul province, Rafi completed his schooling at Habibia High School and later attended the Harbi Military Academy. He was subsequently sent to the Soviet Union for advanced military training—common practice at the time for senior officers aligned with the Parcham faction of the PDPA.
In 1973, he took part in the coup led by Mohammad Daoud Khan and was appointed commander of the Fourth Armored Division. Following the Saur Revolution in 1978, he was appointed Minister of Public Works, but was arrested three months later by Hafizullah Amin and imprisoned in Pul-e-Charkhi prison.
After Babrak Karmal came to power in late 1979, Rafi was released and reappointed as Minister of Defense. He remained a key figure in the Parcham faction of the PDPA and played an active role in shaping Afghanistan’s political and military landscape over the past four decades.
As Afghanistan remains under Taliban control and pressures mount on experts and influential historical figures, the passing of individuals like Mohammad Rafi raises serious questions about the management of the country’s human capital and political memory during these critical times.
