Bitter Ramadan in Afghanistan; Hunger Strikes as Thousands Hunt for a Single Loaf of Bread.
This year, the nights of Ramadan in Afghanistan have been marked by scenes of shocking desperation. Over the past several days, thousands of people, ranging from children to women and elderly citizens, have wandered the streets of Kabul for hours in search of a single loaf of charity bread.
In several locations where food is distributed as part of religious charity, massive crowds have gathered, long lines have formed, and severe congestion has ensued, creating a chaotic and stressful environment.
For many families, this charity bread represents the only hope for iftar. The situation lays bare the depth of Afghanistan’s ongoing livelihood crisis. UNDP reports indicate that more than 85% of the Afghan population lives below the poverty line.
Additionally, assessments by UNICEF and the World Bank highlight the widespread prevalence of multidimensional poverty, severe child malnutrition, and the deprivation of millions from even the most basic life necessities.
The scenes on the streets are a direct reflection of these alarming statistics and illustrate the profound human impact of these systemic challenges.
The World Food Programme has repeatedly warned of severe food insecurity in Afghanistan, stating that millions of people remain at risk of acute hunger. Following the collapse of the previous government, the combination of economic stagnation, high unemployment, and a significant reduction in household incomes has pushed the situation to a critical point.
Without immediate and sustained support, the desperate scramble for even a single loaf of bread could become a lasting and defining symbol of this period in Afghanistan’s history, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of millions of citizens.
