Street Rallies Held as Taliban Government Marks Five Years Ruling Afghanistan

Afghanistan entered a significant political milestone on August 15, 2026, as the Taliban marked five years since returning to power in Kabul. Public celebrations and street gatherings were held in parts of the country, with Taliban supporters displaying flags and praising what the movement describes as a historic victory over foreign forces.

The anniversary is being observed against a complicated backdrop. The Taliban has maintained firm control over most of Afghanistan, while the country continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, economic hardship, restrictions on women and girls, and international pressure. At the same time, the government has sought greater diplomatic engagement with neighboring and regional countries.

Five years after the collapse of the former Afghan republic, the anniversary highlights the contrast between the Taliban’s portrayal of its rule as a period of independence and stability and the concerns raised by international organizations over human rights, poverty and access to education and employment.

Taliban Supporters Gather for Anniversary Celebrations

Street gatherings formed part of the anniversary atmosphere in Kabul and other locations. Supporters waved Taliban flags and gathered in public areas as officials presented the takeover of August 2021 as a defining moment in Afghanistan’s modern history.

The Taliban has traditionally referred to the anniversary as a victory over the United States and its allies. The movement’s return to Kabul followed the rapid collapse of the internationally backed Afghan government and the withdrawal of foreign military forces after nearly two decades of war.

This year’s celebrations again placed the former U.S. embassy and other locations associated with the international military presence in the spotlight. The symbolism is important for the Taliban, which portrays the departure of foreign forces as proof that Afghanistan successfully resisted outside military intervention.

A Different Meaning for Many Afghans

For many Afghans, however, August 15 carries a much more complicated meaning. The Taliban takeover brought an end to the previous political order, but it also triggered widespread uncertainty, economic disruption and a dramatic change in social freedoms.

Thousands of Afghans attempted to leave the country during the chaotic evacuation that followed the fall of Kabul. Many others remained behind and have since had to adjust to a political system in which opposition activity and public criticism face significant restrictions.

The anniversary therefore represents both triumph and loss, depending on the perspective of those observing it.

Five Years of Taliban Control

The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 surprised much of the world because Afghan government forces collapsed far more quickly than many international observers had expected. President Ashraf Ghani left Afghanistan as Taliban fighters entered Kabul, bringing the former republic to an abrupt end.

Since then, the Taliban administration has consolidated its authority. Although internal disagreements have occasionally emerged, the movement has largely maintained control over the country. Analysts have noted that the leadership continues to face the challenge of turning military victory into a stable and effective centralized state.

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The government has also attempted to demonstrate that Afghanistan is more secure than it was during years of conflict between Taliban fighters, Afghan government forces and international troops. Large-scale fighting has declined substantially compared with the years before 2021, although serious security threats remain.

Security Remains a Major Concern

The Taliban faces opposition from militant groups, including Islamic State Khorasan Province, while attacks and targeted killings continue to create security concerns. Recent violence against Taliban officials has demonstrated that control of the country does not eliminate the possibility of armed challenges.

The Taliban has repeatedly promised that Afghan territory will not be used to threaten other countries. International governments, however, continue to monitor militant networks operating inside Afghanistan and the broader regional security situation.

Women and Girls Remain at the Center of International Criticism

One of the most controversial aspects of Taliban rule has been its treatment of women and girls. Since returning to power, the authorities have imposed extensive restrictions on female education, employment, movement and participation in public life.

Girls have been prevented from attending secondary schools, while women have faced restrictions affecting universities and many workplaces. These policies have prompted condemnation from the United Nations, governments and human rights organizations.

The restrictions have also created serious economic consequences. Limiting women’s participation in education and employment reduces the number of people able to contribute to household incomes and the wider economy.

Protests Despite Restrictions

Afghan women have continued to express opposition to restrictions despite the risks involved. Protests have generally been small because public demonstrations against Taliban policies can result in detention or other consequences.

A rare protest in Herat in June 2026 highlighted the continuing tensions surrounding restrictions on women. Reports said Taliban forces opened fire during the demonstration after women were arrested over alleged violations of dress rules, underscoring the dangers faced by people challenging the authorities.

The persistence of such protests shows that the Taliban’s control has not eliminated disagreement within Afghan society.

Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis

The fifth anniversary is also being marked during a prolonged humanitarian emergency. Afghanistan’s economy remains fragile, while millions of people depend on humanitarian assistance.

Economic difficulties have been compounded by drought, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. The return of large numbers of Afghans from neighboring countries has added further pressure on communities already struggling with limited jobs, housing and basic services.

International aid organizations have warned that humanitarian needs remain extremely high. Recent assessments indicate that millions more people require assistance than they did when the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

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Jobs and Poverty Remain Major Challenges

For ordinary Afghans, economic survival remains one of the most important concerns. Employment opportunities are limited, household purchasing power is weak and many families struggle to afford food and other necessities.

Women are particularly affected because restrictions prevent many from accessing jobs that could otherwise provide crucial income. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly emphasized that aid alone cannot replace a functioning economy capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.

The Taliban government has promoted economic projects, trade links and regional connectivity as evidence of progress. Yet the benefits of these initiatives have not been enough to eliminate widespread poverty.

The Taliban Seeks Greater International Engagement

Five years after taking Kabul, the Taliban remains diplomatically isolated compared with internationally recognized governments. However, its position has gradually changed as regional countries have increased practical engagement with the authorities.

Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, while other countries have maintained diplomatic or economic contacts without extending formal recognition. China, Iran, India, Central Asian states and others have pursued various forms of engagement based on security, trade and regional interests.

This shift demonstrates that diplomatic isolation has not completely prevented the Taliban from building relationships abroad.

Recognition Remains Controversial

Formal recognition remains difficult because of the Taliban’s human rights record, especially its policies toward women and girls. Governments face a complicated choice between engaging with the authorities on practical issues and applying pressure over rights concerns.

International officials also need to address migration, terrorism, humanitarian assistance and regional security. These issues make complete diplomatic disengagement increasingly difficult.

A Country Between Stability and Crisis

Supporters of the Taliban argue that the end of the previous war has brought greater security to many parts of Afghanistan. They point to the decline in conventional battlefield fighting and the restoration of central authority as major achievements.

Critics counter that stability cannot be measured solely by the absence of large-scale war. They argue that restrictions on political participation, media freedom and women’s rights remain fundamental problems.

Afghanistan’s experience over the past five years therefore presents a complicated picture. The Taliban has demonstrated an ability to retain power, but governing the country effectively remains a much larger challenge than capturing Kabul.

What the Fifth Anniversary Means for Afghanistan

The street rallies and official celebrations provide the Taliban with an opportunity to reinforce its preferred narrative: that the movement defeated foreign intervention and restored national sovereignty.

For other Afghans, the anniversary is a reminder of the enormous changes that followed the fall of the republic. Families separated by migration, women excluded from education and employment, and communities affected by poverty and natural disasters continue to face uncertain futures.

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The next phase of Taliban rule will depend on whether the authorities can improve the economy, respond to humanitarian needs, maintain security and address international concerns about human rights.

Five years after the takeover, the Taliban remains firmly entrenched, but Afghanistan’s future is far from settled. The anniversary celebrations may project confidence and continuity, yet the country’s economic, humanitarian and social challenges remain difficult to ignore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is August 15 significant in Afghanistan?

August 15 marks the day in 2021 when Taliban forces entered Kabul and the previous Afghan government collapsed. The date has since become an important anniversary for the Taliban.

How long has the Taliban been in power?

As of August 15, 2026, the Taliban has controlled Afghanistan for five years since returning to power in 2021.

Why does the Taliban celebrate the anniversary?

The Taliban portrays its return to power as a victory over foreign military intervention and a restoration of Afghan sovereignty.

What are the biggest challenges facing Afghanistan?

Major challenges include poverty, unemployment, humanitarian needs, restrictions on women and girls, natural disasters, limited international recognition and ongoing security threats.

Are women allowed to attend schools and universities in Afghanistan?

Under Taliban policies, girls have been barred from secondary education and women have been excluded from university education. Restrictions on women’s employment and public participation also remain extensive.

Has any country recognized the Taliban government?

Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban authorities. Several other countries maintain practical diplomatic relations without formally recognizing the government.

Is Afghanistan safer under Taliban rule?

Large-scale fighting has declined compared with the years before 2021, but Afghanistan continues to face attacks, militant threats and other security problems. Security improvements therefore coexist with significant risks.

What happens next for Afghanistan?

The country’s future will depend on economic recovery, humanitarian assistance, regional diplomacy, security and the Taliban’s willingness to address international concerns over human rights and governance.

Australian Government Sources for Further Reference