Dostum Faces Questions over his ‘Absence’ in Official Meetings

In four years of National Unity Government since established, Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum has rarely been seen at officials meetings, arising questions over his absence among Afghan politicians.

Abdullah Qarloq, a close aide to Dostum, said this issue must be addressed to President Ashraf Ghani as per required by the legislation.

“This is something that should be asked from Mr. President [Ashraf Ghani] in the light of the law,” said Qarloq.

Presidential Palace did not comment on reasons behind Dostum’s Absence, but former deputy speaker of the Afghan Parliament Nazir Ahmad Ahmadzai said the issue is linked to his “inability” concerning his role as Vice President.

“He [Dostum] is the first Vice President and he should know his responsibilities and if he acts and makes suggestions in the light of these authorities, they will be implemented,” said Ahmadzai as local media quoted.  “This will not be possible if he remains as Vice President and if he wants to act like a commander [his role as General].

Experts fear Dostum’s absence could cause a huge leak to abilities and progress of the government, as he is holding a vital role in the leading body.

“His [Dostum’s] absence as one of the fundamental part of the system could leave a negative impact on government’s activities,” said Rohullah Sakhizad, a legal expert.

Meanwhile, Bashir Ahmad Tahyanj, spokesman for the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan head by Dostum, said the Vice President is holding consultations with people and elderlies involved in upcoming meetings regarding peace in Afghanistan.

“The people of Afghanistan are on eve of great events including the peace process, Qatar meeting and Samarkand meeting and he [Dostum] is holding consultations with the people about it,” said Tahyanj.

Dostum left the country for Turkey in 2016 after alleged sexual assault against one of his close aides and former colleagues Ahmad Eschi.

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·        Mohaqiq Meets First VP Dostum in Turkey

·        Turkish President Erdogan Meets Dostum

·        Dostum Leaves Kabul to Turkey

He stayed abroad for roughly three years, making several visits back in the country. Despite that his presence in the cabinet meetings was not visible. Last year in December he met with President Ghani, discussing security following reports on growing figures of causalities among Afghan security forces.

Friday, Dostum landed in Balkh province, in North Afghanistan, where he addressed a gathering in the city vows to “eliminate” the Taliban form country’s north within next six months if he is given the authority to do so.

Later in the day, Dostum headed to Jawzjan province to meet elderlies in his hometown. On the way, Taliban surrounded his convoy during a multiple ambush attacks. Four of his bodyguards were killed in the attacks and a number wounded.