Taliban Spokesperson Urges International Engagement Amid Lack of Recognition
More than four and a half years after the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul, no country other than Russia has officially recognized the Taliban administration. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the administration, told Tolo News that this situation is due to “some countries not being ready to engage with Afghanistan.”
Mujahid has called on other countries to decide independently on establishing relations with Afghanistan, disregarding pressure from global powers. He emphasized that countries should follow Russia’s example by acting independently in “calculations and decisions” and establish what he described as “good” ties with Afghanistan.
While the international community has so far avoided recognizing the Taliban administration due to concerns about human rights, political participation, and regional security, the spokesperson claims that certain intelligence circles in the region spread misinformation about Afghanistan’s security situation, creating an atmosphere of distrust. Without naming any specific country, he said this information relates to the period before the Taliban regained control.
Mujahid also alleged that currently no active group in Afghanistan poses a threat to the world. Referring to reports from the previous regime and the presence of the United States, he noted that about twenty groups were mentioned as operational in Afghanistan at that time.
However, the lack of official recognition from the vast majority of countries indicates that international concerns about the Taliban administration’s policies—especially regarding fundamental citizens’ rights and an inclusive political structure—remain persistent, a matter that has yet to receive a satisfactory response from the administration.
The Taliban spokesperson further stressed the importance of the administration’s participation in regional and international meetings, stating that attendance at these gatherings could address concerns and refute what he called “baseless propaganda.”
In another part of his remarks on tensions between Iran and the United States, he said the Taliban administration’s policy on the issue is neutral and called for an end to the conflict between the two countries.
