In a recently leaked audio recording, Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticizes the leadership of Hibatullah Akhundzada and warns against blind obedience to him.
Stanekzai, criticizing Akhundzada’s absolute authority within the Taliban, stressed that officials of the group should not worship him as “a prophet or God.” Speaking directly and candidly to the Taliban leader, he stated: “We can’t ruin the country for you.”
The senior Taliban official clarified that obedience to Hibatullah Akhundzada is only justified if he follows the path of God. He warned that if the Taliban leader deviates from this path, he would lose his legitimacy as a leader:
“You are my Emir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful) only as long as you walk in God’s way. If you stray from that path, you are no longer my Emir, and I won’t recognize you.”
Stanekzai further emphasized that the people of Afghanistan have not pledged their faith to Akhundzada, and that many leaders have come and gone before him. He expressed his hope for Afghanistan to have leaders who work for God, the Prophet, and the national interests of the country.
These unprecedented remarks are a clear sign of serious internal divisions within the Taliban. The direct criticism of the group’s leader comes at a time when Hibatullah Akhundzada has significantly consolidated his power, and his decisions—including widespread restrictions on women—have been implemented without challenge. Stanekzai’s statements may indicate growing dissatisfaction among Taliban officials with their leadership.
