The US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins is stepping down, Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday said amid a political crisis in the war-torn country.
His resignation comes as the two candidates to succeed President Hamid Karzai as Afghanistan’s next president — Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani — spar over alleged fraud in the elections.
The crisis threatens the country’s first democratic transfer of power in 13 years, and tarnishes US hopes of a smooth handover as it prepares to withdraw all its troops by late 2016.
“His relationship with President Karzai was invaluable, particularly at difficult moments, and he departs at a time when both of Afghanistan’s presidential candidates have been unwavering in their commitment to sign the BSA.
“I am grateful for his service and look forward to his counsel in the months ahead,” Kerry said.
After Karzai refused to sign the deal, both Abdullah and Ghani said they would honour the negotiations and accept the bilateral security agreement (BSA).