Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada: Major Taliban officials were recently seen criticizing the supreme leader of the terrorist group, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada’s repressive policies have alienated Afghans and alienated the internationally unrecognized Taliban government. The Taliban’s powerful interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, gave a speech on 11 February in which he appeared to accuse Akhundzada of monopolizing power and hurting the militant group’s reputation.
Against big leader Akhundzada!
Another influential Taliban official, Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqub, said in a speech in Kabul on 15 February that the terror group should never be arrogant and should always respond to the legitimate demands of the nation. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said all members share common views, beliefs and ideology.
Is all well with the Taliban?
The public comments by Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Yakub have set off speculation over a growing rift within the Taliban, which has come under national and international condemnation for severe restrictions on women’s rights and human rights abuses, RFE/RL reports. As the Taliban attempt to transform from an insurgency to a functional government after seizing power in 2021. Also, there have been increasing reports of infiltration.
Akhundzada, who rarely travels outside his stronghold in the southern province of Kandahar, has consolidated power and empowered ultra-conservative clerics who share his extremist views. It is not yet clear whether the growing internal and foreign criticism will force Akhundzada to moderate his policies.
Experts do not expect open rebellion due to internal differences. But internal strife suggests that a growing number of Taliban officials believe change is necessary, RFE/RL reported.
