Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was sworn in on Monday for his second term in the capital, Kabul. His rival was sworn in at the same time. The months of political crisis surrounding the controversial election results are growing.
The parallel ceremonies were held in two palaces, separated only by a thin wall. The ceremonies were briefly interrupted by the sounds of alleged rocket fire in the neighborhood.
The rival of Ghani, Abdullah Abdullah, twice attempted to become president. Both times he questioned his defeat, but finally made a compromise with Ghani. The last time, in 2014, intervention by the United States was needed to bring the conflict to an end.
Abdullah himself was a compromise candidate this time. He is supported by a collection of warlords and former soldiers, who have lost much influence under the rule of Ghani. They mainly supported Abdullah because they could not agree on another and insist that he do not give up the fight this time.
Supporters of Abdullah have been besieging six offices of the Afghan electoral council for weeks. The security services warn that the atmosphere is becoming increasingly grim and violence is imminent.
US wants to stay out of political hassle
The US government has announced that it will not act as a mediator this time. The US closed one on February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, with a view to withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan within fourteen months. The Ghani government was excluded from those negotiations.
At the end of last month, the US convinced him to postpone his inauguration, because the Taliban could see that as a provocation and endanger the signing of the peace agreement.
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The US and the Taliban signed an agreement on February 29 to end the more than eighteen-year war in Afghanistan. (Photo: Reuters)
It is unclear whether the government can talk to Taliban
There are also tensions between Ghani and the US about a commitment to the agreement: the release of thousands of Taliban supporters being held by the Afghan government.
Separate peace talks between the government and the Taliban should begin soon, but it is not clear whether that is possible, as long as Ghani and Abdullah are fighting for the highest office.
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