Afghanistan's Taliban government marks two years of return to power

Afghanistan's Taliban government has marked the second anniversary of their takeover of the country with celebrations and a public holiday, issuing a defiant statement commemorating their surge back to power.

On Tuesday, flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan -- the name given to the country by its new rulers -- fluttered at security checkpoints across the capital, which fell on August 15, 2021, when the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile.

In the two years since, Taliban authorities have imposed their strict interpretation of Islam, with women bearing the brunt of laws the United Nations has termed "gender apartheid".

A statement from the authorities early Tuesday hailed a victory that was able to "pave the way for the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan".

"The conquest of Kabul proved once again that no one can control the proud nation of Afghanistan" and that "no invader will be allowed to threaten the independence and freedom" of the country, it said.

Quiet Kabul streets early on Tuesday began to give way to convoys of Taliban members and a gathering at Massoud Square near the abandoned US embassy building.

Some of the men carried their weapons, while others snapped smiling selfies as anthems blared and young boys sold the movement's white flag inscribed with the Islamic declaration of faith.

'Need to celebrate'

As events kicked off in various cities, a military parade was cancelled in Kandahar, the cradle of the Taliban movement and from where reclusive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada rules by decree.

Expected to include scores of military vehicles and weapons left behind by international forces after a weeks-long chaotic withdrawal, Akhundzada called off the parade himself so as not to disturb the public, provincial officials told journalists.

In Kabul, the education ministry hosted a celebration at a school in a part of the city once stacked with diplomats who are now thin on the ground -- the Taliban government is still not formally recognised by any other country.

A medical student at an event at Kabul University told AFP news agency it was important to mark the anniversary.

"We need to celebrate today. Today marks the end of the occupation in our country, and that is a good thing," 21-year-old Mortaza Khairi said.

The international community continues to grapple with how, and if, to engage with the Taliban authorities, with restrictions on women's rights -- squeezed from public spaces and avenues to work and education -- a key obstacle in negotiations over aid and recognition.

A group of UN experts hit out on Monday at pledges by Taliban authorities of a softer rule than during their first stint in power from 1996 until 2001.

"Despite reassurances by the Taliban de facto authorities that any restrictions, particularly in terms of access to education would be temporary, the facts on the ground have demonstrated an accelerated, systematic, and all engulfing system of segregation, marginalisation and persecution," the experts said in a statement.

'Want their freedom back'

Ahead of the anniversary, Afghan women expressed fear and despair over the loss of rights -- a handful holding small demonstrations, many of their faces covered with masks.

But Afghans also pointed to worry over an economic and humanitarian crisis in motion since the Taliban takeover, as aid dried up and sanctions were imposed.

Farmer Rahatullah Azizi told AFP he used to earn a living off his crops but now has "just enough to eat".

He expressed relief, however, that the security situation was better, noting he could now travel freely at night without fear of being mugged.

But while violence has fallen across Afghanistan in the past two years, Daesh remains a threat and tensions have risen with Pakistan over an increase of attacks in the countries' shared border areas.

Taliban authorities have pledged that Afghan territory won't be used by foreign militants to stage attacks abroad but it remains a sticking point.

While some Afghans celebrate the end of fighting and Taliban rule, others see August 15 as a grim reminder.

"All the girls and women of Afghanistan want their freedom back," said former student Hamasah Bawar ahead of the anniversary.