Afghanistan: Funerary events planned in Kabul for late Mojaddedi Feb. 13-14

Event

Funerary events honoring late former President Sibghatullah Mojaddedi are planned in Kabul on Wednesday, February 13, and Thursday, February 14, and are anticipated to be well attended. On Wednesday, a funeral procession is slated to travel from Mojaddedi's home in PD 5 along Qargha Road en route to the Presidential Palace at 06:30 (local time). Prayers are then scheduled at the Presidential Palace, followed by a service beginning around 11:00 at Kabul "Ghazi" Football Stadium, which will be open to the public. The funeral procession is then scheduled to move to Ashokhan Wa Arfan village in PD 8, where the family cemetery is located. Finally, a commemoration service is slated to be held at the Loya Jirga Tent in PD 5. Authorities have declared Wednesday to be a national day of mourning and public holiday.

A commemoration service for Mojaddedi is also slated to be held at the Loya Jirga Tent on Thursday and will be open to the public.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in Kabul, particularly along the funeral procession route and around related funerary events.

Context

Former President Sibghatullah Mojaddedi died overnight on February 11-12 of natural causes. An ex-Mujahideen leader, Mojaddedi briefly served as Acting President of Afghanistan from April-June 1992 after the fall of the government of President Najibullah Ahmadzai.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid related gatherings and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.