Malala Yousafzai has expressed deep concern for women and minorities in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country over the weekend.
On Sunday, August 15, the Afghan president fled as the Taliban began rapidly taking over the capital city of Kabul before ultimately breaching the presidential palace and declaring that the war is "over."
"Today is a great day for the Afghan people and the mujahideen. They have witnessed the fruits of their efforts and their sacrifices for 20 years," Mohammad Naeem, the spokesman for the Taliban's political office, told Al Jazeera TV. "Thanks to God, the war is over in the country."
In the wake of the takeover, many Afghan civilians have been left fearing for their safety, their freedom, and their lives. There are also concerns that under Taliban rule, women's rights in the country will be under serious threat once again.
Now, 24-year-old education activist Malala has shared a statement on the harrowing situation.
Taking to Twitter, she wrote to her 1.9 million followers: "We watch in complete shock as Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. I am deeply worried about women, minorities, and human rights advocates."
She added: "Global, regional, and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect. refugees and civilians."
The takeover by the Taliban comes months after the Biden administration announced the total withdrawal of around 3,000 US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, CNBC reports.
Grave concerns have been expressed over the possibility that the extremists will undo the progress made where the rights of women and minorities are concerned, the Associated Press reported.
In December 2012, a 15-year-old Malala, who was living in Pakistan at the time, was shot in the head by the Taliban while on a school bus after having taken an exam, the Independent reports.
She was targeted by the extremist group for speaking out in favor of education for women and girls.
The activist currently lives in the UK, where she graduated from Oxford University last year. In 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.