New Taliban Governor of Bamyan Begins Duties Amid Concerns over Local Governance

Gol Haidar Shafaq, the newly appointed Taliban governor of Bamyan province, officially began his duties on Tuesday in a formal ceremony. This appointment was made by the decree of the Taliban leadership and announced by local officials.

At the introduction ceremony, several Taliban officials emphasized the hierarchical structure of the administration, stating that obedience to the new governor is “mandatory” for the people. These remarks once again raise questions about the role of the people’s will and the absence of participatory mechanisms in selecting local officials.

Gol Haidar Shafaq previously served as the Taliban governor in Jawzjan province and was recently transferred to Bamyan. Bamyan, located in central Afghanistan, has long been known for its residents’ insistence on accountable governance and respect for civil rights.

However, the lack of electoral legitimacy and reliance on top-down orders in appointing governors have sparked widespread criticism of local governance under the Taliban administration, increasing concerns about the restriction of the local community’s role and voice.