Suicide bomb kills seven as Ghani sworn in as Afghan President

Afghanistan inaugurated its first new president in a decade this morning, swearing in technocrat Ashraf Ghani to head a power-sharing government - as a suicide bomb close to Kabul airport killed seven people and injured 11 more.The first democratic handover of power in Afghanistan’s history has been far from smooth: the deal for a unity government was cobbled together after months of deadlock over a vote in which both Ghani and opponent Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory.

We, the people of Afghanistan, are monitoring their performance to see whether they can serve the people or not.

Kabul resident Mohammad Sharif

The dispute with Abdullah was resolved after late-night meetings with the U.S. ambassador, the Abdullah aide said. Even if its top figures can work together, the new government inherits massive problems, including fighting a revitalised Taliban who in recent months has been launching ever more aggressive attacks as foreign troops withdraw. The Taliban have described the deal as a “US-orchestrated sham” but Ghani hailed it as a “big victory”. He took an oath to abide by the constitution and other laws at the swearing-in ceremony attended by up to 100 dignitaries. He praised the country’s “first democratic transfer of power” and spoke warmly of his rival - and now partner in government - Abdullah.

We will work together for a better future with trust and honesty.

Abdullah Abdullah

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