Afghan supreme commander asks Taliban leaders not to air differences publicly

Kabul, Apr 18 (EFE).- Afghanistan’s supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada Tuesday asked fellow Taliban commanders not to air differences publicly amid a deepening schism among the Islamists who took control in Afghanistan in August 2021.

In his message ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid, Akhundzada said the de facto Taliban government, striving for global recognition, desired amicable relations with its neighbors and the rest of the world.

The Taliban moment has been shaken by a growing rift among its ranks amid public criticism of Akhundzada’s government by senior officials.

The fundamentalists are projecting a united image to the world but there have been instances of the cracks between historic Mujahideen fighters led by Akhundzada and the Haqqani network.

Tensions have been fomenting after Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani told reporters on Jan.11 that “monopolizing power and hurting the reputation of the entire system are not to our benefit.”

Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob has also called on the government to not “be arrogant” and “respond to the legitimate demands of the nation.”

Against the backdrop of the critical comments, Akhundzada asked Taliban leaders to share their opinions and bits of advice for other officials “secretly” instead of going public.

“Don’t give open advices, because open advices have negative effect,” the Taliban supreme leader said.

In his remarks ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of fasting, the Taliban’s top leader struck a conciliatory and diplomatic note.

“Afghanistan wants positive and efficient relations with all neighboring countries, Islamic countries and the whole world within the framework of Islamic principles, based on good and mutual interaction,” Akhundzada said in the message tweeted by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid.

Without naming anyone in particular, the Taliban leader urged other countries not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

“It will benefit the world as well as Afghanistan. It is necessary.”

Akhundzada asked the security forces to act against the “enemies of the religion and the country, security saboteurs, and criminals.”

“Be very gentle and kind in dealing with public, no one should be harmed.” EFE

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