The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged Taliban leaders to urgently restore Internet and telecommunications services. Indrika Ratwatte, the top UN official in Afghanistan, reported via satellite video from Kabul that services were suspended as of 1700 hours yesterday. He noted that the rest of the country is largely cut off, impacting connectivity with aid teams providing assistance after last month’s earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. Mr. Ratwatte met a woman who lost 11 family members, highlighting the immense trauma. Over 43 million people are offline after the Taliban cut communication cables, reportedly to combat “vice” under their strict Sharia law interpretation.
UN humanitarian efforts have also been hindered by a ban on women nationals on staff from entering its premises. The internet shutdown affects the work of the UN, health programs, and financial services, impacting normal business transactions and critical remittances.
Communities affected by the 6.0 magnitude earthquake a month ago are still struggling. The disaster killed about 2,000 people, injured 3,600, and damaged 8,500 homes. With winter setting in, there is a need to insulate shelters and provide warm clothing.
Discussions with Kabul’s de facto authorities are underway to seek a waiver for “critical connectivity” with aid teams amid an already dire situation. Mr. Ratwatte warned that this development could impact medical services, supply chains, vaccinations, and essential services, with connectivity to the rest of the world also affected. Flights have been canceled, and international flights are not arriving.
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