Afghan refugees have found solace, support and new homes in Omagh

IT has been over two years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Since then, many Afghans who worked for the previous government or do not agree with the new regime have been forced away from their homes and dispersed across the world.

Both Lutfullah Mashal and Mohammad Wais Besmal are among those who have found solace and support in the welcoming community of Omagh.

Before the Taliban took over, Mashal had prominent roles within the previous government, working as a director of communication for the Afghan army and then acting as a governor of Laghman Province.

During his time in office, he was an advocate for progressive laws and lobbied for more female education.

When the Taliban took power in August 2021, Mashal was forced to go into hiding in the country’s capital, Kabul. Along with his family, he was smuggled across the country’s border and arrived in Iran.

This was made even scarier, as Mashal was a well-known face, who was often on television and in newspapers as a spokesperson for the previous government.

‘NO CHOICE’

Mashal told the UlsterHerald that he felt like had ‘no choice’ but to leave his home.

He said, “When the Taliban came back to power, I knew I had to leave: I could not stay in Afghanistan.

“I worked in communications and intelligence for the army, and I knew I would certainly be arrested and imprisoned immediately.

“The Taliban also imposed a law saying that any girl above 12-years-old had to leave school.

“I have older daughters who were at school, and I wanted them to continue their education.”

Mashal and his family had a complicated path coming to the North.

It took two years for Mashal to go through the process of constantly talking to the UK government, even though, pre-war, he often had to engage with British forces sharing data and intelligence.

Eventually, Mashal and his family were permitted to settle in the North. He has been in Omagh for three months, and is enjoying a slower way of life.

“I am not here very long but I do like it,” he said. “It is very different from back home. I am used to living in a very large city, and it has been nice living a slower life.

“At the minute, due to my status, I cannot work, which has been hard, as that’s what I want to do.

“My family has settled in well.

“Three Afghan families are living locally, and there is a larger Afghan community in Enniskillen.”

Mashal said that his process of making Omagh his new home has been made easier by ERANO, a support group for refugees and other newcomers based in Community House.

COMMUNITY HUB

He said, “Mary and her team at ERANO have been great.

“It is a real hub for the community. My wife does not speak English, so she has been using the English lessons the group provides.

“There is also a community prayer day in Community House.

“A man travels down from Belfast to lead prayers.”

Mashal said that he and his family miss home very much. While he can keep in contact with his wider family circle in Afghanistan, he has to be careful about what he says.

“I call my family back home, but I am very careful what I say over the phone,” said Mashal.

“I want to ensure they are safe. I know that the government may be monitoring what I am saying, so we choose our words very carefully.”

Mashal has been helped to settle into the local area by fellow Afghanistan native, Mohammad Wais Besmal, who has lived in Omagh for two years.

Before he had to flee his home country, Mohammad taught English for seven years at the British Council in Afghanistan.

He left for Pakistan when the Taliban regained control. His plight was made scarier as he lived in Kandahar, which is now the Taliban capital of Afghanistan.

He told the UlsterHerald, “When the Taliban controlled Kandahar, I moved to Kabul because it was still controlled by the then-government.

“When Kabul got taken over, I moved back to Kandahar and moved from place-to-place and hid my face because I was at risk.

“One day I was crossing a checkpoint, and one of the Taliban members recognised me because I trained him, and they arrested me.”

UNCONSCIOUS

“They hit me in my shoulder and broke my clavicle bone and then they hit me in the head with the butt of a gun, and I went unconscious.”

He continued, “I got in contact with a friend of mine who was working in the hospital, and he was able to get me moved to a different part of the hospital, and I escaped without being recognised by anyone.”

He remained in hiding until he got visas from the black market, and returned to his wife and two daughters before escaping Afghanistan.

From Pakistan, the family travelled to Omagh where they have now settled.

Mohammad said, “Omagh is a good place, no problems at all. Some very helpful people are supportive, and it’s a nice environment with great education for my two daughters.

“It’s a very good place to live, but I do miss my family.

“I miss my mum, and I wish I could have her here one day.”