BERLIN, Germany — Pressure is mounting on the German government to engage with the Taliban to facilitate deportation flights for undocumented Afghan migrants, according to German media reports.
To carry out such deportations, Berlin would need to establish direct contact with the Taliban, a challenge given Germany’s suspension of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
However, Christiane Hoffmann, Germany’s deputy government spokesperson, confirmed earlier this week that “confidential negotiations” between Berlin and the Taliban are already underway regarding the deportation of Afghan nationals considered a security threat to Germany.
Hoffmann declined to provide further details but emphasized that despite these discussions, Germany has not altered its position on recognizing the Taliban as a legitimate government. Berlin, like many Western countries, has so far relied on third-party intermediaries, including Qatari officials, for necessary communications with the Taliban.
The push for deportations has intensified following a recent incident in Munich, where an Afghan national drove his car into a crowd, killing a mother and her child.
The issue has also taken on added political urgency as Germany prepares for elections on February 23, further fueling debates over migration and security policies.
