Taliban Leader Emerges from the Shadows; Holds “400 District Governors” Meeting in Kandahar
Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada has re-emerged after months of silence, hosting a meeting titled "Council of 400 District Governors" in Kandahar, aimed at consolidating support for the Kandahar faction amid growing internal divisions.
Kokcha News Agency: Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada has resurfaced after months of absence, convening a significant meeting in Kandahar dubbed the “Council of 400 District Governors.” The meeting was attended by district governors from across Afghanistan, with only Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister, representing the official Taliban government in Kabul.
According to sources close to the Taliban, the meeting focused on two key issues:
- Securing Support for the Kandahar Faction
Haibatullah and his inner circle are seeking to garner the support of all district governors to strengthen the position of the “Kandahar group” against the “Kabul group.” Tensions between the two factions have escalated recently, particularly after the Kabul-based leaders opposed Haibatullah’s order to shut down nationwide internet access in Afghanistan. - Addressing U.S. Pressure Over Bagram Airbase
Another major topic of discussion was the Taliban’s stance on U.S. pressure to reopen Bagram Airbase. Haibatullah’s close associates aim to gather the opinions of all district governors before making a final decision on the matter.
Analysts believe that this meeting signals a deepening rift between the Kandahar faction (led by Haibatullah) and the Kabul faction (aligned with the ministries and more politically oriented figures within the Taliban). The Taliban is now attempting to use local administrative structures to consolidate its position in the ongoing internal power struggle.
