KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) says that the US remains the largest donor to the people of Afghanistan, providing $3.33 billion in humanitarian and development aid since August 2021.
In its 65th quarterly report, SIGAR stated that of the $3.33 billion, $2.24 billion was allocated for humanitarian assistance, while $469 million was directed towards development assistance.
According to the report, in 2024 alone, the US has committed and obligated over $885 million to support humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
SIGAR highlights that since the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the US has appropriated or made available $21.06 billion in assistance to Afghanistan and Afghan refugees.
The report detailed the breakdown of this significant aid package, which includes nearly $3.33 billion for humanitarian and development aid and $3.5 billion transferred to the Afghan Fund based in Switzerland.
Additionally, $8.7 billion has been made available to support Afghan evacuees resettling in the US, while another $5.36 billion has been directed to the Department of Defense for Enduring Welcome programming.
Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the country’s banking and financial systems were paralyzed due to international restrictions, resulting in the suspension of foreign aid, which had been a primary source of support for the country’s economy.
The UN subsequently initiated weekly cash shipments to Afghanistan, sending approximately $40 million each week, describing it as essential for the organization and its partners to continue their work in the country.
Since then, according to the UN, Afghanistan has received approximately $6.7 billion in humanitarian aid, a country where nearly 24 million people, more than half of the population, rely on such assistance.
However, in its report, SIGAR criticized the UN for not meeting its funding targets for Afghanistan over the past three years. The report states that, as of October, the UN’s $3.1 billion appeal for 2024 has raised only $1.1 billion (37%).
Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding the Taliban’s infiltration and misuse of humanitarian aid, as they have reportedly gained control over various NGOs operating in the country.
In recent months, US lawmakers, SIGAR, and groups opposing the Taliban have voiced concerns about the situation, with some calling for a cessation of the funds until assurances are made that the aid reaches the right hands.
Earlier in September, a group of US Republican lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at halting US aid to Afghanistan, citing concerns over the Taliban’s misuse of the funds and their potential role in financing terrorism.
“The Biden-Harris administration’s disastrous withdrawal has plunged the country back under Taliban rule, and now it turns out that our taxpayer dollars are being used to the benefit of the Taliban,” Rep. Josh Brecheen, the bill’s sponsor, told Fox News Digital. “This legislation is needed so we can ensure that no more of our tax dollars are being irresponsibly used in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan,” he added.
