A number of MPs in the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Monday said disagreements and distrust among government officials and between various government institutions was a grave matter of concern and not in the country’s interests.
These concerns were raised following a barrage of criticism by government officials against President Ashraf Ghani who they accuse of monopolizing power and taking unilateral decisions.
“Heads of security institutions of the National Unity Government do not have enough capabilities and are not willing to maintain security of the people and fight against the terrorist networks,” acting foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani said.
“Government’s structure is also not successful and there are no elements (people) that can defeat the attacks,” CEO second deputy, Mohammad Mohaqiq has said.
“If government does not bring reforms in security and intelligence institutions, the country will definitely face a crisis,” Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor has said.
A number of analysts and MPs said distrust in government by officials was dangerous for the country. They said solutions to current problems need to be found urgently.
“The lack of internal trust in any department and at any time, will result in the failure of the department,” said Qazi Abdul Rahim, an MP.
“This a very dangerous situation for government and it should call for a political consensus,” said Tofan Waziri, a political affairs analyst.
Government meanwhile said politicians need to act and speak responsibly.
“The president believes in the principal of consultations and participation. We hope that all politicians act responsibly and with a national spirit take part in bringing reforms,” said Dawa Khan Minapal, the president’s deputy spokesman.
Some MPs and political affairs analysts have stated that government officials have also criticized government leadership practices in a bid to force the leaders give their critics more privileges.
“The main problem is around personal issues. During Hamid Karzai (administration) he gave privileges, but President (Ashraf) Ghani gives privileges to no one,” MP Abdul Jabar Qahraman said.
A number of politicians have in the past few months repeatedly criticized government leaders of monopolizing power and of not paying attention to bringing about much needed reforms. However, government leaders have maintained that everything they have done so far is in line with the need to bring about reforms.