“Müssen sehr bei uns bleiben”: Germany Vows to Keep Afghan Helpers Amid Taliban Advances
German Foreign Minister Calls for Evacuations as Taliban Close In on Kabul
On Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas implored the world to assist in evacuating Afghan citizens who aided Western forces in their efforts against the Taliban. Maas’s appeal was made during an urgent UN Security Council meeting called to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The Taliban has been rapidly advancing across the country, raising fears that Kabul, the capital, could fall within weeks. This has prompted many Afghans who worked with Western forces to flee their homes in fear of reprisal from the Taliban.
Approximately 2,500 Afghans who worked for the German government or military have been evacuated to Germany. However, Maas stressed that much more needs to be done, saying, “Those who have worked for us so bravely and risked their lives must not be left alone.”
International Community Urged to Support Evacuation Efforts
Maas urged the international community to provide financial and logistical support for evacuation efforts, saying it was “a moral obligation” to protect those who had helped the West. He also called for the establishment of safe corridors to allow Afghans to flee the country.
The United States, which has evacuated over 1,000 Afghans, has pledged to continue its efforts. However, the Biden administration has been criticized for its chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has left many Afghans stranded and fearing for their lives.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has warned of a “full-scale humanitarian catastrophe” in Afghanistan if the international community does not take immediate action to help those in need.
Key Points
- Germany vows to keep Afghan helpers amid Taliban advances.
- Foreign Minister Heiko Maas calls for evacuations as Taliban close in on Kabul.
- Approximately 2,500 Afghans who worked for Germany have been evacuated.
- Maas urges international community to support evacuation efforts.
- United States has evacuated over 1,000 Afghans.
- UN warns of humanitarian catastrophe if international community does not take immediate action.
Additional Resources
- BBC News: Germany vows to keep Afghan helpers amid Taliban advances
- Reuters: Germany urges Taliban to halt advance on Afghan capital
- DW News: Afghanistan: Germany urges international aid for evacuations
