Security Council Reports Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Attempt to Depose Mullah Hebatullah in Favor of Mullah Yaqub as Leader

Security Council Reports Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Attempt to Depose Mullah Hebatullah in Favor of Mullah Yaqub as Leader

UN Security Council Reports Sirajuddin Haqqani’s Attempt to Depose Mullah Hebatullah and Support Mullah Yaqub as Leader

According to a recent report by the United Nations Security Council, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting minister of interior affairs, has been attempting to gain more support among Taliban members for Mullah Yaqub Rahar to replace Mullah Akhundzada as Taliban leader. The report further stated that Haqqani has been trying to weaken Mullahbatullah’s religious legitimacy and convince the Taliban Ulama Council that he is not fit to lead the group.

Haqqani’s Desire to become the Kingmaker

Haqqani has been playing the role of the “kingmaker” instead of securing the seat of Taliban leadership, the report said. Although there have been differences among the leadership of the Taliban, the group has shown an interest in maintaining unity and authority under one leader. The report also mentions that this cohesion will continue for the next one to two years.

Differences Among the Leaders of the Taliban

The differences among the Taliban leaders emerged after Haqqani’s speech in Khost province where he criticized the monopoly of power within the group. The scholars around Hebatullah Akhundzadeh advised him to listen to the opinions of others, but the decision to dismiss Haqqani from his ministerial position, as well as Mullah Yaqoob and his deputy, Fazl Mohammad Mazloum, did not take place due to the challenge to Mullah’s authority.

Cohesion Likely to Be Maintained for Next One to Two Years

Despite the differences among the leadership, the Security Council believes that the cohesion of the Taliban will continue for the next one to two years. It is concerning, however, that the report also notes that the Taliban have reverted to their despotic, Pashtun-oriented policies of the 90s, which has raised concerns about the future of Afghanistan.

Awaiting Taliban Comments

The Taliban has yet to comment on the Security Council report. The report has highlighted the internal struggles within the Taliban and the implications this has for the group’s future direction. The next few years will be critical in determining whether the Taliban can maintain their unity and authority under one leader while promoting the welfare of Afghanistan.