Seventeen Afghan citizens held in jails across North Africa have been brought home after Taliban officials struck deals with the Arab countries in Africa to free them.
The prisoners had been locked up in Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Mauritania. But after months of talks, Taliban diplomats in Cairo secured their release.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Grand Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, 17 Afghans have been freed,” said Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takel.
Prisoners were flown back to Kabul on Ariana Afghan Airlines, the country’s state-run carrier. The ministry said it worked closely with the authorities of the five nations to get them out.
It is still unclear why they were locked up in the first place. Afghan officials have not revealed any details about the charges they faced in North African jails.
“The embassy continues its efforts to protect its citizens and safeguard their rights in the future,” spokesman Takel said.
Morocco is fast becoming a key player in the fight against terrorism across Africa.
Antony Blinken, former US Secretary of States, described Morocco as playing a vital role in fighting terrorism in the region.
“The Africa Focus Group has already made strides in helping our African partners improve their coordination and to put in place civilian-led counter-terrorism strategies,” he said.
Last November, Morocco tabled at the Arab Justice Ministers Council in Cairo the proposal to host a regional forum to help victims of terrorism and improve legal measures to address the issue.
Blinken called Morocco a trusted ally and a leader in the fight against extremist groups, calling the North African country’s cooperation with global partners and its reputation for sharing reliable intelligence.
