The secretive leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, recently shared a message highlighting a “golden opportunity” for unity and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Despite rarely appearing in public and seldom leaving Kandahar province, Akhundzada urged citizens to support the country’s security forces whose efforts, he claimed, have ushered in peace.
In his message released just before the Eid Al-Fitr festival, there was no mention of the frequent attacks targeting civilians and the Taliban itself. However, he did ask the public to back the Vice and Virtue Ministry, known for imposing strict personal conduct laws. The statement, available in multiple languages such as Arabic, Dari, English, Pashto, and Urdu, was disseminated through the Taliban government’s main spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid.
Hassan Abbas, a professor at the National Defense University in Washington D.C., commented on Akhundzada’s emphasis on unity from a religious standpoint, citing Quranic verses. Abbas implied that the leaders’ insistence may indicate underlying tensions, especially between Akhundzada and acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, decision-making has seemingly shifted from Kabul to Kandahar, Akhundzada’s stronghold. The United Nations noted that governance has resumed from Kandahar, reminiscent of the Taliban’s approach in the 1990s. Sirajuddin Haqqani has criticized the leadership’s decision-making process, cautioning against overly centralized authority; however, the Taliban denies internal discord.
In his Eid message, Akhundzada also discussed Afghanistan’s infrastructure and development activities, highlighting efforts to improve transport links between provinces, enhance global trade relations, and boost exports. He mentioned initiatives such as major construction projects, mineral extraction, and land allocation for business and industrial uses aimed at reducing unemployment and improving the economy. Observers like Abbas believe these initiatives originated within Kabul’s government rather than from Akhundzada.
Akhundzada urged Afghans to disregard the “harmful propaganda” by hostile groups or agencies, which incite despair over economic challenges. The United Nations reported that over half of Afghanistan’s population relies on humanitarian aid for survival. This aid is under threat, partly due to funding cuts from the previous U.S. administration.
The World Health Organization recently announced that a funding shortfall had led to the suspension or closure of about 200 health facilities. In addition, the World Food Programme warned that immediate food assistance is necessary for up to 15 million people, while the current budget only allows aid for 6 million per month. Most Afghan families reportedly need to borrow to afford basic groceries.
Akhundzada’s message stressed the importance of education yet made no reference to reopening educational institutions for women. The continued restrictions on women’s educational rights remain the principal obstacle to international recognition for the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, although countries like China and the UAE have accepted their envoys.
Inquiries to spokesperson Mujahid about a potential Taliban takeover of the Afghan embassy in Washington D.C. remain unanswered. Diplomats appointed during Afghanistan’s previous administration were left uncertain following the Taliban’s return to power. Embassies in Europe and elsewhere maintained operations, yet faced criticism from the Taliban in Kabul for lack of collaboration.