The Taliban government in Afghanistan has cut consular ties with several Afghan embassies in Western countries, including those in London, Berlin, and Paris. The move affects diplomats who remain loyal to the former US-backed government, which collapsed in 2021.

The Taliban has installed its own ambassadors in some neighboring countries, but no country has formally recognized the Taliban government. The Afghan foreign ministry has stated that it no longer bears responsibility for credentials, including passports and visas, issued by the affected missions.

The embassies affected include those in Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and Australia. The Taliban has urged Afghans living abroad to deal with missions affiliated with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The move leaves the ostracized embassies in dire financial straits, relying heavily on consular fees to pay staff salaries, rent, and bills. The future plans for these embassies are uncertain.

The Taliban’s actions have sparked debate among analysts, rights campaigners, and diplomats over whether to engage with the Taliban government to soften their stance or freeze them out until they change their policies.

#Taliban #Afghanistan #Embassies #DiplomaticTies #InternationalRecognition