Taliban Leader Plans Loya Jirga To Legitimise Government
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is reportedly planning to convene a Loya Jirga in an effort to transition his administration from an interim government to a recognised ruling body.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is reportedly planning to convene a Loya Jirga in an effort to transition his administration from an interim government to a recognised ruling body.
However, political opponents, Afghan political figures inside Afghanistan, women, and human rights activists are expected to be excluded from the gathering.
The assembly is expected to include approximately 2,000 members and will likely be held after Eid al-Fitr.
Selection of Jirga Members Under Taliban Oversight
According to sources in Kabul, the process of selecting members of the Loya Jirga has already begun at both provincial and district levels under the supervision of Taliban-appointed governors.
Reports indicate that 1,344 representatives from all districts will participate in the gathering. Each district will send three members, including a religious scholar, a tribal elder, and a youth representative.
Additionally, provincial clerical councils' leaders and deputies, who operate under Akhundzada’s direct oversight, will also be included in the Jirga’s composition.
Two years ago, the Taliban formed provincial organisations called "Islamist Fighters", primarily composed of young supporters. Although these groups were dissolved after the Taliban consolidated power, there is speculation that youth representatives in the Jirga may be selected from former members of these groups.
The Loya Jirga will be held at Kabul’s Jirga Hall, with its exact date yet to be announced. However, the agenda, committee formations, and the selection process are reportedly being managed from Kandahar.
Akhundzada’s Push for Absolute Control
According to a source familiar with the matter, Akhundzada has instructed provincial governors to submit a list of Jirga members and provincial committee nominees, which will then be sent to Kandahar for approval.
Through this Jirga, Akhundzada aims to legitimise his leadership, transition the cabinet from an interim structure, and establish full control over the Taliban’s governance framework.
Sources indicate that one of the primary objectives of the Jirga is to formalise the Taliban government, removing the “interim” status from all officials, including ministers.
The Taliban regime continues to face a legitimacy crisis both domestically and internationally, with internal divisions within the group further complicating governance.
Internal Taliban Disputes and Rivalries
Several Taliban leaders oppose Akhundzada’s policies and have urged him to moderate his governance approach.
Additionally, the influence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Interior, and Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, Minister of Defence, has challenged Akhundzada’s absolute authority in certain matters.
While the Haqqani faction is expected to attempt to influence the Jirga, the final list of attendees will ultimately be approved in Kandahar.
A source in Kabul confirmed that all provincial governors are Akhundzada loyalists and will seek to exclude any participants who might challenge his leadership.
"Akhundzada frequently consults with clerics and jihadi madrassa leaders when appointing governors and police chiefs. It is expected that he will do the same when selecting Jirga members," the source added.
Previously, Sirajuddin Haqqani attempted to include tribal elders in provincial clerical councils, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Akhundzada has established new provincial councils composed of clerics and tribal elders aligned with the Kandahar-based leadership, effectively replacing the former provincial councils and consolidating power at the local level.
Will the Jirga Address Key National Issues?
It remains unclear whether the Jirga will address fundamental national issues, such as a new Afghan constitution, the national anthem and flag, the structure of government,and the right to education for women and girls. However, initial indications suggest that political opponents, former Afghan officials, and women will be entirely excluded from the assembly.
Political Opposition and International Rejection
A political figure in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Afghanistan International that the Jirga, as envisioned by Akhundzada, will not be recognised by Afghan political factions or the international community.
He claimed that "international players" have discussed the potential formation of a Supreme Council representing the Afghan people, which would include both Taliban and non-Taliban members. This council would be responsible for organising a larger assembly to draft a new constitution.
"The focus is on ensuring that representatives of the Afghan people participate in a Grand Council, which will oversee the drafting and ratification of the constitution, ultimately leading to the establishment of a legitimate government," the source stated.
He further noted that work on this proposal is ongoing, though he did not specify which international actors were involved. However, he expressed scepticism that the international community would accept a Taliban-led Jirga as a legitimate political solution.
To date, no country has officially announced support for the creation of a Supreme Council to draft Afghanistan’s constitution.
Debate Over Governance: Jirga or Elections?
While some political figures have supported the idea of a Jirga, others argue that a democratic election is the only viable solution to Afghanistan’s political crisis.
Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, a long-time opponent of the Taliban, recently called for the formation of Shurā-ye Ḥall wa ‘Aqd, a council composed of “those who are qualified to unbind and to bind”—also described as “the people who loosen and bind”—instead of holding elections, asserting that if a leader is chosen through this council, people will pledge allegiance to him.
Conversely, Habib ur Rahman Hekmatyar, son of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and a member of Hezb-e-Islami, has argued that only a democratic election can provide a legitimate and sustainable resolution.
"Past experiences have shown that forming a council does not resolve disputes. The Taliban’s first regime also established such a council and pledged allegiance to Mullah Mohammad Omar, yet the conflict persisted," Hekmatyar stated.
The National Resistance Front (NRF), led by Ahmad Massoud, and the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF), led by Yasin Zia, have both insisted on free and democratic elections as a prerequisite for any peace negotiations with the Taliban.
Additionally, women’s activist groups in Afghanistan continue to demand a legitimate government that upholds gender equality, calling for transparent and inclusive elections.
Jirga Expected to Deepen Taliban’s Legitimacy Crisis
A source aware of the situation in Kabul told Afghanistan International that a "staged Jirga" orchestrated by Akhundzada will not grant legitimacy to the Taliban regime but rather deepen the existing crisis.
"There remains a slight hope for reform within the current administration, with Taliban spokespersons justifying their policies as temporary. However, if Akhundzada uses the Jirga to remove the interim status of his government, even this small hope for change will disappear," the source explained.
He further suggested that Western and regional powers no longer prioritise democratic governance in Afghanistan, stating "The United States, Western nations, and regional powers are not particularly focused on democratic representation in Afghanistan. If their strategic interests are met, they are unlikely to challenge the Taliban’s human rights violations and authoritarian rule."
As of now, no official statements have been made regarding international recognition of Akhundzada’s proposed Jirga, nor has there been any indication that the global community will accept a Taliban-controlled Jirga as a legitimate governing body.
