Afghanistan President faces impeachment crisis

World Today

A fresh political crisis has unfolded in Afghanistan, this time between the presidential palace and the parliament.

Afghanistan’s parliament has sacked seven government ministers this week igniting a fresh political crisis for President Ashraf Ghani, who has refused to accept the parliament’s decision.

CCTV America’s Catherine James reports. Follow Catherine James on Twitter @cathjam

The lower house called on more than 15 ministers to give an account of their portfolios. They ultimately sacked seven for an apparent mismanagement of funds.

Other ministers who faced the chop include foreign affairs, information technology, labor and social affairs, education, higher education, and transportation.

President Ghani had two options, to either accept the impeachments or fight them. He has chosen to fight, telling the sacked ministers to remain in their positions until the Supreme Court rules on the parliament’s decision. This is a move by Ghani that has angered parliamentarians.

The way forward for Ghani’s administration is going to be difficult whether he accepts the impeachments or not.

This fresh dispute follows Ghani’s two-year quarrel with Afghanistan’s chief executive Abdullah Abdullah and a recent falling out with his Vice President General Dostum.

With Ghani’s main financial supporter the United States about to undergo a leadership overhaul, Ghani needs to find a quick resolution if he wants to make a good impression on the new administration.