18 Jun. 24: In a stark address during the Eid al-Adha celebrations, Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada cautioned Afghans against prioritizing financial gain and worldly honors amidst the country’s ongoing humanitarian crises. Speaking at a mosque in southern Kandahar province, Akhundzada underscored the importance of unity among Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic groups and reiterated the Taliban’s commitment to Islamic law.
This sermon precedes critical UN-hosted talks in Doha, Qatar, which mark the Taliban’s first participation in such dialogues since their takeover in August 2021. The Taliban’s control has led to severe economic turmoil and lack of international recognition.
Akhundzada emphasized the spiritual duties of Muslims, urging Afghan citizens and Taliban officials alike to uphold religious principles and foster brotherhood. He expressed dissatisfaction with internal conflicts and urged Taliban leaders to heed the guidance of religious scholars, warning against arrogance and deceit.
The supreme leader’s message follows a backdrop of tension within the Taliban ranks, highlighted by contrasting views between hardliners and more moderate factions on issues such as women’s rights and international engagement. Akhundzada’s appeals for unity reflect an underlying concern over these internal rifts.
Prominent analysts like Ahmed Rashid and Michael Kugelman suggest that Akhundzada’s speech signals desperation and a preemptive effort to maintain cohesion within the Taliban. They also note a possible intention to garner respect beyond Afghanistan’s borders, even as the Taliban faces criticism for its restrictive policies, including barring girls from education and enforcing strict societal norms.
Akhundzada concluded his sermon by stressing the necessity of unity for the successful implementation of Islamic law and the fulfillment of their promises to God, cautioning that disunity benefits their adversaries.
The upcoming Doha talks, slated for late June, will test the Taliban’s ability to navigate international diplomacy and address the severe economic and social challenges facing Afghanistan.
