Ghani Accepts Resignation of Defense Minister, Chief of Army Staff

President Ashraf Ghani has accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Abdullah Habibi and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qadam Shah Shaheem after the recent attack on Afghan army base in Balkh province of Afghanistan, Ghani’s office confirmed on Monday.

The president’s official Twitter account also confirmed the resignations with immediate effect.

President’s deputy spokesman, Dawa Khan Mina Pall said, “Defense Minister Abdullah Habibi and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qadam Shah Shaheem have submitted their resignations letters to President Ghani and he thanked him of  their services and accepted their resignations.”

The two Afghan senior officials in the their last press conferences pointed about their achievements during their difficult duties.

Ex-Defense minister, Abdullah Habibi said, “To all Afghan people and the next defense minister; Consider Afghanistan’s interest and work for the people as I resigned.”

Former chief of amry staff, Qadam Shah Shahim also said, “I want to showcase the end of an unprecedented courage, I want to share my effectiveness to the other strong holders.”

Yet it is not clear that these two top officials were forced to resign or were resigned themselves, but analysts have different views regarding this issue.

Political analyst, Bashir Bezhan said, “The current situation requires that at least the genuine commitment and meritocracy have not been considered in appointing the security officials.”

Another analyst, Humaira Ayoubi also saod, “Well done to defense minister and chief of army staff who have conscience and understands everything.”

Afghan residence praised resignations of the two senior officials, saying they have resigned based on peoples’ demands.

The ministry of interior’s deputy Tariq Shah Bahrami has been appointed as acting minister of defense and general Sharif Yaftali as army chief of staff.

The resignations of the two top security officials come as brigadier General, Amanullah appointed as Zafar 207 Corps instead of major general Mahmand.

Previously the Presidential Palace has said that President uses his authority to promote the theoretical capacity to the constitution.

This comes after on Friday Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers disguised in army uniforms struck the compound of the 209 Shaheen Military Corps in northern Balkh province which claimed the lives of at least 150 army personnel and wounded nearly 70 others.