power sharing
Afghanistan political foes Ghani and Abdullah agree to share power
In a key political development in Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah have ended months of crisis by agreeing to share power. Abdullah had refused to accept Ghani’s victory in last September’s presidential election. Observers feared their failure to resolve their standoff was endangering plans for a peace deal with theTaliban.
Mr Ghani will stay on as president while both men will choose an equal number of ministers.
Dr Abdullah will lead peace talks with the Taliban, should they get under way.
It is hoped the deal in the capital Kabul will help to maintain the balance of power that existed before last year’s disputed presidential election.
Mr Ghani and Dr Abdullah – who both claimed victory in last September’s election – last month held rival inauguration ceremonies.
The Afghan electoral commission says incumbent Ashraf Ghani narrowly won the vote, but Mr Abdullah has alleged the result is fraudulent.
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The deal comes days after a militant attack on a maternity ward in the capital, Kabul, left 24 people dead. Mothers, newborn babies and nurses were among the victims.
TANIKO Madagascar 