By Kaya 959 Reporter
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has reached out to South Africans currently stranded in the conflict-ravaged country of Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, Dirco said it has made contact with citizens via the South African High Commission in Islamabad.
“We are in contact with a number of South African nationals based in Afghanistan to ensure their safety and provide the necessary consular assistance,” Dirco spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said.
He said they have taken note of the situation in Afghanistan and are particularly concerned by the plight of thousands of displaced Afghans seeking safety and security amid the deepening crisis in Afghanistan.
‘The South African Government calls on the authority in power to ensure that the rule of law, human rights and safety of all Afghans and foreign nationals alike are protected. We wish to appeal to all military and security groups to exercise the utmost restraint and protect the lives and property of the people,” Monyela said.
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Calls for stability
The government urged all parties to reach a solution and restore stability to the region.
Taliban militants took over the Afghan capital at the weekend. This comes after US President Joe Biden pulled American troops out of the country.
Following the insurgence, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani abandoned the presidential palace and fled the country.
Over the last two days, images of terrified Afghans have filled news sites as thousands try to flee the country.
On Monday, the Kabul airport was forced to shut down flights.
However, The Guardian is reporting that flights have now resumed.
The Guardian reported that in the UK, ministers are expected to announce plans for a new settlement scheme for Afghan nationals following the Taliban takeover of the country.
“Similar to a scheme put in place for Syrians in 2014 amid the country’s civil war, this would be in addition to existing structures to assist some Afghan nationals,” the report stated.
Any South African nationals currently in Afghanistan and in need of assistance, should kindly contact the Consular Section of the Department at (+27) 012 351 100, [email protected].
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Main image courtesy of Twitter/@PresidencyZA



