Senior Taliban Interior Ministry Official Denies Leadership Rift
Rahmatullah Najib, the Deputy Administrative Minister of the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, dismissed claims of discord within the group’s leadership during a police graduation ceremony in Maidan Wardak province. He asserted that there are no internal power struggles among senior Taliban figures, stating that the group’s leaders are not interested in positions or power.
Najib accused what he referred to as “enemies of the country” of attempting, with foreign backing, to destabilize Afghanistan. He claimed such efforts would fail and emphasized that the Taliban remains vigilant against any threats.
He further stated that none of the Taliban officials are attempting to challenge the authority of Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, and urged the public not to be influenced by rumors. These comments come amid growing speculation in recent months over differing views among the Taliban’s top figures.
Najib’s remarks follow recent criticism by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Acting Minister of Interior, who spoke out against “violence, humiliation and intimidation” within the Taliban’s ruling structure—comments that sparked reactions from those close to the group’s leadership.
In a related development, Mawlawi Nida Mohammad Nadim, the Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education, underscored the importance of complete obedience to the Supreme Leader’s orders.
Najib also claimed that the Afghan people do not support democracy or a popular political system, describing the idea of returning to such a system as a “vain fantasy.” This assertion comes despite repeated demands from Afghan citizens over the years for political participation, basic rights, and the end of power monopolies—calls that have been significantly restricted since the Taliban returned to power.
