$80 Million in Aid to Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan Every Two Weeks
In November 2023, the Free Beacon reported that the Biden administration, along with international donors, sends about $80 million in aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan every two weeks.
SIGAR, the U.S. government’s oversight body for Afghanistan reconstruction, has raised concerns. The money intended for humanitarian aid is often diverted by the Taliban.
Despite reassurances from the Biden administration, much of the aid is funneled to the Taliban through fraudulent nonprofits. The Taliban is exploiting these funds, undermining the efforts to help Afghan civilians.
How the UN and Donors Send Money to Afghanistan
According to SIGAR, the UN sends « cash shipments » to Afghanistan every 10 to 14 days. Each shipment is around $80 million. These funds are intended to support humanitarian operations but are often intercepted by the Taliban.
SIGAR explains that the UN’s money is placed in private financial institutions, not in the central bank or under Taliban control. However, Taliban interference continues to disrupt aid distribution.
Taliban’s Growing Control Over Aid Distribution
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, international aid has faced major disruptions. The Taliban has taken control of cash flows, dictating who receives the funds. Local communities in the Hazara and Tajik regions are often excluded from aid distribution.
The UN reports that 97% of Afghanistan’s population lives in poverty. Millions depend on foreign aid for survival. However, the Taliban’s actions make it difficult for aid to reach those in need.
Fraudulent NGOs and the Taliban’s Exploitation of Aid
The Taliban has established fraudulent NGOs to siphon off humanitarian aid. Judicial Watch reports that the Taliban uses these fake organizations to steal donor funds. This includes American-funded education programs.
Additionally, the Taliban forces NGOs to hire their supporters or buy supplies from Taliban-run companies. This extortion severely limits the effectiveness of aid.
U.S. Continues Sending Humanitarian Aid Despite Challenges
Despite the corruption and interference, the U.S. continues to provide aid to Afghanistan. In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. sent over $566 million in humanitarian assistance. Most of it was for emergency food aid.
However, a portion of these funds is labeled for general humanitarian and health initiatives. The Taliban’s interference complicates tracking where the money actually goes.
Biden’s $85 Billion Weapons Surrender to the Taliban
Biden’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan resulted in the Taliban gaining control of $85 billion in U.S. military equipment. The U.S. left behind armored vehicles, helicopters, and ammunition.
Rather than destroying the equipment, Biden’s administration left it for the Taliban to seize. Videos later surfaced showing Taliban members with the military gear and cash left behind.
