Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Ex president Afghanistan who was overthrown, Ashraf Ghani, back to open voice the day after Taliban announced a provisional government in the country.
In an open letter posted on his Twitter account, Ghani apologized to the Afghan people because his reign ended the same as his predecessor who was also overthrown by the Taliban.
“I owe the Afghans an explanation for leaving Kabul in a hurry last August 15 after the Taliban unexpectedly entered the city (Kabul),” Ghani said on Wednesday (8/9).
“It is with great and deep regret that my period (of leadership) must end in the same way as the tragedy of my predecessors. I apologize to the Afghan people for not being able to bring about a different ending,” he added.
In the letter, Ghani also said that the reason for fleeing abroad on the day the Taliban occupied Kabul was to avoid a repeat of civil wars like in the 1990s.
“Leaving Kabul was the most difficult decision of my life, but I believe this is the only way to avoid fighting and protect Kabul and its six million citizens,” Ghani said.
Ghani also denied allegations that he went abroad with billions of dollars of state money. He even stated that he was ready if the United Nations (UN) wanted to audit his wealth at this time.
“Corruption is a plague that has crippled our country for decades. And eradicating corruption is my main focus as president. I inherited a monster that is not easy to beat,” said Ghan.
Currently, Ghani is still in the United Arab Emirates. He had planned to return to Afghanistan although there is no certainty so far about it.
Ghani’s actions drew a lot of criticism from Afghans. He was called a coward for fleeing Afghanistan when his country was in chaos.
Afghans became increasingly infuriated after the Russian Embassy in Kabul stated that Ghani had fled in a helicopter full of cash.
In a videoconference, Ghani later confirmed that he was leaving for a good cause, and not for his own welfare.
“Don’t believe anyone who tells you that your president sold you and ran away for his own gain and to save his own life,” Ghani said in a video on his Facebook page some time ago.
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