What does Haibatullah think about - national unity or strengthening his power?
Source: Telegram channel of the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
🔴In early March 2025, it was reported that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada was initiating an "assembly of elders" (Loya Jirga) with the aim of legitimizing the state structure of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and forming a regularly functioning inclusive government.
🔴Expected date - after the end of Ramadan (March 30, 2025), possible venue - Kabul Polytechnic University, approximate number of participants - up to 2,000 people (3 representatives from each district of Afghanistan: a cleric, an ethnic leader and a youth representative, as well as chairmen of provincial theological councils). Former politicians, members of the opposition, and women will not be allowed to participate in the assembly.
🔴Abdulrab Rasul Sayyaf, one of the Taliban's fiercest opponents, noted that the Loya Jirga process would be politically and ethnically biased and criticized the Taliban for trying to "legitimize" its power in Afghanistan.
🔴However, a number of Taliban officials also believe that there are now more effective processes for shaping inclusive public opinion and policy direction for the country. For example, in a meeting with Hazara tribal elders from Bamyan, Wardak, Ghazni, Daikundi, Maidan, and Uruzgan provinces, Minister of Borders, Ethnic and Tribal Affairs Mullah Noorullah Nuri said that strengthening national unity is a priority for building the Afghan state.
🔴Amid the Taliban government's increasing internal disagreements, the very fact of the Loya Jirga looks like a measure to strengthen the personal power of Taliban leader H. Akhundzada, as well as an attempt to form a more "conservative" government and legitimize relatively unpopular decisions in various areas of Afghanistan's internal life.
