Reliable sources have informed Afghanistan International that the relationship between Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada and the group’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has become strained.
Recently, the Taliban has appointed Zabihullah Mujahid, the central spokesman of the group, to participate in the third meeting of Doha instead of Amir Khan Muttaqi. This move has raised several questions due to the extensive structures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes political and administrative assistants and countless directors alongside the minister.
Sources indicate that since Zabihullah Mujahid’s office was transferred to Kandahar, his power within the Taliban has increased. Mujahid is a close and loyal associate of Mullah Hibatullah, being the only official whose office was moved to Kandahar after it became the Taliban’s political capital. He holds a high position in the Taliban’s hierarchy, reportedly wielding more power than most ministers.
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Strained Relations within Taliban Leadership
The selection of Zabihullah Mujahid as the Taliban’s representative for the Doha negotiations underscores his trust and proximity to Mullah Hibatullah. His recent statements in foreign policy suggest that he is acting more like a foreign minister than a spokesperson. For instance, Mujahid recently thanked the President of China for his comments on strengthening relations with Afghanistan and spoke on behalf of the Taliban regarding Iran’s presidential elections, expressing hopes for continued and developed relations with Iran’s next government.
The future trajectory of the tension between Mullah Hibatullah and Muttaqi remains uncertain, as does the extent of political and administrative power Zabihullah Mujahid will ultimately hold.