Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, has called on Taliban members to avoid self-interest, internal favoritism and ethnic partisanship, amid reports of growing divisions within their leadership.
Speaking at a one-day seminar for Taliban officials from Paktika Province, Akhundzada emphasized the need for unity, religious obedience, and moral conduct. His remarks were relayed by Hamdullah Fitrat, a deputy spokesperson for the Taliban.
“We must avoid disunity, selfishness, favoritism, ethnic pride, and desire for rank,” Akhundzada said. “We must embrace solidarity, persistence in Sharia, obedience to elders, and commit ourselves to justice, reform, and religious duties such as promoting virtue and preventing vice.”
Akhundzada added that Afghanistan now provides a “suitable environment” for the full implementation of Islamic law, and he urged Taliban officials to purify their intentions, consult with religious scholars, and show humility and kindness in dealing with the population.
The comments follow a series of reports highlighting internal friction between power centers in Kandahar — where Akhundzada is based — and Taliban members aligned with the Haqqani network in Kabul. Sources with knowledge of internal affairs say Akhundzada has increasingly centralized authority in Kandahar, including by relocating financial administration functions from the capital.
While Taliban have not formally addressed the reports of division, Akhundzada’s message appears aimed at reinforcing loyalty and suppressing dissent within administrative ranks.
