Ahmad Zia Massoud, the president’s former special representative for reforms and good governance, on Friday apologized to the people for having supported President Ashraf Ghani during presidential elections and said he now regrets his decision.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary of 8th of Saur, Mujahideen Victory Day against Mohammad Najibullah’s government, Massoud called Ghani a dictator and said he is control-oriented.

He also said four people were playing with the fate of the country.

“Today in front of all of you, I apologize to all of you. I cut off all my relations with this government which is being led by four suspicious people,” he said.

Massoud said the country’s overall situation is worrying and asked people to mobilize and establish a transitional government and then based on an early election establish a legitimate government.

“First a public mobilization should be made to force the president to resign, second establishing a transitional government and preparing the situation for power transition to the next government and then an early election should be held,” he added.

Massoud said government is trying to weaken the pillars of government, especially the security departments.

According to Massoud, Ghani has not implemented the commitments he made to the people.

Massoud accused Ghani of destabilizing the northern part of the country through terrorist groups and said he has given control of 50 percent of the country to the Taliban.

Other participants at the gathering also criticized Ghani over a range of issues.

“Some people (groups) kill people under the name of Daesh. The first part is inside government and the second part is out of the government,” said Zulfiqar Omid, a member of the Enlightenment Movement.

“Americans back them. Allah knows if the Americans leave them, they cannot find their homes in Kabul. They cannot find a helicopter to escape,” said Abdul Latif Pedram, chairman of the National Congress Party.

“Our people’s struggles for social justice, public welfare, peace and stability are continuing. By the help of Allah, we will overcome current challenges in the near future,” said Bashir Ahmad Tayyanj, spokesman for the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan.

Shah Hussain Murtazawi, a presidential spokesman, said in reaction to these remarks: “The president’s authorities and his work duration is specified by the constitution and the president carries out his duties according to it.”