Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself caretaker President of Afghanistan

Kabul: Adding to the uncertainty in Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, the First Vice President, on Tuesday declared himself as the caretaker President of the country, two days after the Taliban takeover.

In a tweet, Saleh, who is now in Panjshir, a province in northeastern Afghanistan which the Taliban have not taken over yet, said according to Afghanistan’s constitution, in the absence of the President, the First Vice President becomes the caretaker President.

He said since he is still in Afghanistan, he is the legitimate caretaker President.

Saleh, who has been vocal in his rejection of the Taliban, said he is reaching out to all leaders to secure their support.

“As per the constitution of Afghanistan, in the absence, escape, resignation or death of the President the First Vice President becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country and am the legitimate caretaker President. Am reaching out to all leaders to secure their support and consensus,” he tweeted.

Clarity: As per d constitution of Afg, in absence, escape, resignation or death of the President the FVP becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country & am the legitimate care taker President. Am reaching out to all leaders to secure their support & consensus.

— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 17, 2021

President Ashraf Ghani left the country on Sunday night after the Taliban overran Kabul, plunging the country into chaos.

It needs to be seen how the Taliban react to his statement since they are in talks over forming their own government according to Sharia laws. (UNI)