In yet another call for unity, Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada visited Kunduz as part of his ongoing tour of northern and northwestern provinces, urging Taliban members—once again—to avoid “division” and remain obedient.
This oft-repeated plea has become a familiar refrain, with little evidence that it is resolving the persistent infighting among the group’s ranks.
No images or concrete details from these visits have been released, leaving many to question the nature and impact of these meetings.
Akhundzada has issued similar statements countless times in recent months, urging his followers to steer clear of internal disputes. Yet, divisions within the Taliban appear to be deepening rather than dissipating.
A recent United Nations report underscored the ongoing power struggles within the Taliban leadership, despite Akhundzada’s frequent warnings.
According to the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, the leader met with members of the 217 Omari Corps and several religious scholars during his visit, repeating his warning that internal conflicts would lead to “mistrust and failure”—a message he has delivered time and again.
Akhundzada’s repeated calls for unity, which have now become a near-constant refrain, raise questions about his ability to manage the growing divisions within his movement.
“The ongoing emphasis on loyalty by the Taliban leader indicates that internal conflicts are far from resolved,” said Asif Mubaligh, a university professor. “These divisions are not new—they have existed long before the Taliban took power and remain a significant issue.”
His weeklong tour of northern provinces continues a pattern of closed-door meetings with Taliban officials and religious figures, offering little engagement with the general public. Some view this as a sign of the leader’s detachment from the real challenges facing ordinary Afghans.
Shukria Barakzai, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Norway, noted that while ideological differences within the Taliban persist, the leadership’s attempts to appear unified may be failing. “They’ve learned from past mistakes, but these repeated calls for obedience suggest internal disagreements are still at play,” she said.
Akhundzada’s elusive presence—marked by the lack of public appearances or photos for three years—only adds to the skepticism surrounding his leadership. While the Taliban occasionally claim that he leads prayers in Kandahar, these appearances remain unverified, raising further questions about his grip on power.
Meanwhile, the internal criticism persists. Senior ministers Yaqub Mujahid and Sirajuddin Haqqani have openly expressed frustration over the concentration of power within the Taliban leadership. Despite their complaints, both men have kept their posts, a sign that the power struggles Akhundzada tries so hard to deny are alive and well within the Taliban’s ranks.
