After Ashraf Ghani fled the war-torn country, Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh declared himself as the "legitimate caretaker President" in accordance with the constitution that states that in the absence of the President, the First Vice President becomes the caretaker President.

Citing the Constitution of Afghanistan, Saleh said that "in absence, escape, resignation or death of the President, the First Vice President becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country & am the legitimate caretaker President."