A recent BBC investigation has uncovered significant rifts within the Taliban's leadership, primarily following a decision by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to shut down the internet across Afghanistan. This action, rooted in his distrust of digital communication, was seen as a way to reinforce control and suppress dissent. However, it ignited a rebellion from the Kabul faction, comprising ministers and higher-ranked officials who argued that a modern state cannot function without access to the internet.
The conflict highlights the growing tensions in the Taliban's ranks, diverging into two camps: one firmly supportive of Akhundzada's austere vision centered in Kandahar, and another based in Kabul advocating for engagement with the global community and progressive reforms. The latter group includes prominent figures like Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is pushing for a governance model akin to the more progressive Gulf states.
In late September, Akhundzada’s order was defied when key Kabul ministers convened and promptly restored internet access, portraying a significant act of defiance that insiders described as 'almost unprecedented' for the traditionally unified Taliban organization. This rebellion poses questions about the regime's future cohesion as these two factions navigate their contrasting visions amidst external pressures and internal discontent.
The network of power within the Taliban has further complicated under Akhundzada, as he increasingly centralized authority in Kandahar, sidelining competing voices, including his former deputies Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. This internal dynamic comes at a crucial time, as expectations grow about the Taliban’s governance amidst increasing scrutiny from international observers regarding their human rights record and the ongoing restrictions on women's rights and education.
As 2025 unfolds, the Taliban’s path forward remains uncertain. While superficial unity is maintained publicly, the underlying discord hints at potential fractures that could reshape governance in Afghanistan in the coming years, raising pivotal questions about the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The conflict highlights the growing tensions in the Taliban's ranks, diverging into two camps: one firmly supportive of Akhundzada's austere vision centered in Kandahar, and another based in Kabul advocating for engagement with the global community and progressive reforms. The latter group includes prominent figures like Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is pushing for a governance model akin to the more progressive Gulf states.
In late September, Akhundzada’s order was defied when key Kabul ministers convened and promptly restored internet access, portraying a significant act of defiance that insiders described as 'almost unprecedented' for the traditionally unified Taliban organization. This rebellion poses questions about the regime's future cohesion as these two factions navigate their contrasting visions amidst external pressures and internal discontent.
The network of power within the Taliban has further complicated under Akhundzada, as he increasingly centralized authority in Kandahar, sidelining competing voices, including his former deputies Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. This internal dynamic comes at a crucial time, as expectations grow about the Taliban’s governance amidst increasing scrutiny from international observers regarding their human rights record and the ongoing restrictions on women's rights and education.
As 2025 unfolds, the Taliban’s path forward remains uncertain. While superficial unity is maintained publicly, the underlying discord hints at potential fractures that could reshape governance in Afghanistan in the coming years, raising pivotal questions about the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
