The Taliban leadership is undergoing a significant internal rift, further illuminated by a controversial decision to shut down the internet across Afghanistan, ordered by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Leaked audio reveals Akhundzada's concerns about internal divisions brewing within the Islamic Emirate.
Despite Akhundzada's warnings about the detrimental consequences of factionalism, a select group of Kabul ministers defied his directive by reinstating internet access just days after the blackout, signaling a noteworthy challenge to Akhundzada's absolute rule.
Rumors of discord within the Taliban have long circulated, leading the BBC Afghan service to investigate the opaque group's hierarchy. Their findings suggest that two distinct factions are emerging: one steadfastly loyal to Akhundzada and his strict Islamist ideology, based in Kandahar, and another comprised of more moderate elements in Kabul seeking economic progress and international relations.
This split is underscored by the internet shutdown—an edict that the Kabul faction disregarded, resulting in an unexpected act of rebellion. The rapid reinstatement of connectivity illustrates the Kabul group's determination to maintain modern governance amid Akhundzada's stringent policies, which also involve severe restrictions on women's education and public freedoms.
As tensions grow, the infamous interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and other Kabul-based officials, who understand the need for a more relatable governance style, may be laying the groundwork for a future power struggle against Akhundzada's rigid autocracy. Experts question if the leadership can maintain unity and effectively address the social and economic demands of the Afghan populace amidst rising internal dissent.
