Senior Taliban Official Warns Of Distrust & Divisions Within Taliban
Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Taliban’s minister of higher education, warned of growing “distrust” and “discord” within the group during a speech in Kabul.
Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Taliban’s minister of higher education, warned of growing “distrust” and “discord” within the group during a speech in Kabul.
He said that the survival of the Taliban administration depends on maintaining unity.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Taliban’s central jihadist madrassa in the capital, Nadeem urged Taliban members not to be swayed by what he described as “enemy propaganda.” He said there were efforts under way to sow division within the ranks and told fighters to ignore the messaging of what he called the “enemies of Islam.”
Nadeem, who is considered close to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, again stressed the need for obedience and allegiance to the leader. His remarks followed recent criticism by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, who has spoken publicly about intimidation and the widening gap between the authorities and the public.
The higher education minister said the Taliban could preserve its system only through unity and adherence to its leadership, warning that internal divisions and a growing distance from the population could weaken the administration.
This is not the first time Nadeem has raised concerns about internal rifts. He has previously warned of tensions and disagreements among senior Taliban figures and their potential impact on the group’s hold on power.
His comments come days after Haqqani again criticised the Taliban’s approach towards the public in a speech in Khost province. In that address, Haqqani denounced what he called a “government of fear and intimidation,” saying: “We, who were once condemned by the world’s empires, now lack tolerance and instead condemn and humiliate our own people.”
Haqqani urged Taliban officials to treat the population in a manner that would reduce hostility and resentment.
