Power Struggle in the Taliban: BBC Exposes Internal Conflict Over Internet Blackout
3 hours ago via BBC Afghan
Audio recordings obtained by the BBC have disclosed critical concerns troubling the Taliban's hierarchy, primarily focused on internal threats rather than external ones. Following the collapse of the previous Afghan government and the US withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban established an Islamic Emirate. However, their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, recently warned in a leaked speech about 'insiders' clashing within their own government, hinting that such internal divisions could lead to the regime's downfall. 'As a result of these divisions, the emirate will collapse and end,' he stated.
Despite his perceived 'absolute power', as confirmed by his spokesman, rumblings of discord have surfaced involving key figures like Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqoob, who have questioned certain decisions. The secret gathering in January 2025 at a madrassa in Kandahar fueled these speculations. Rumored divisions within the Taliban prompted a year-long investigation by the BBC, involving over 100 interviews with insiders, experts, and former diplomats.
The investigation revealed two factions at the Taliban's top leadership: one, loyal to Akhundzada's vision of an isolated and strict Islamic state, and another more integrated with the Afghan capital Kabul, promoting economic growth and female education participation. This duality was often summarized as 'the Kandahar house versus Kabul'. Experts have long debated whether the Kabul-centric group, with its support networks among powerful militants and religious scholars, might openly challenge Akhundzada's authoritarian rule.
In a dramatic unfolding of events, Akhundzada's order in late September to cut Afghanistan off from the internet and communication networks was defied when the Kabul faction reversed his decision after three days, an extraordinary move highlighting the deepening crisis. 'The Taliban's unity, bound by strict obedience to superiors, was disrupted by this unprecedented act,' remarked an Afghanistan affairs analyst, reflecting on the implications of this act of defiance against the supreme leader.