English
A power struggle is reportedly on the rise within the ranks of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban as key figures loyal to Taliban chief Hibatullah Akhundzada are trying to thwart attempts by the powerful Haqqani network to increase its influence in the war-torn nation. The infighting among Taliban factions was on display on Tuesday when a 14-member delegation was prevented from heading to Qatar for the Afghanistan Future Thought Forum, and forcibly disembarked from the plane.
Citing sources, Amu TV reported that the Taliban forced some members of the delegation to disembark from a FlyDubai aircraft, while others, who were scheduled to board an Air Arabia flight, were prevented from boarding. The group was travelling to attend a meeting of the Afghanistan Future Thought Forum in Doha, Qatar, as per the report.
According to the report, the Afghan delegation also consisted of two women, which reportedly was one of the key factors that prompted the ruling Taliban to prevent the group from travelling to Qatar. One major reason behind the move is the ongoing internal power struggle between the Haqqani network and figures loyal to Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, the report said, citing sources.
Jafar Mahdawi was the only member of the delegation allowed to travel to Doha, while those barred from attending included aiz Mohammad Zaland, Aziz Ahmad Haneef, Nazar Mohammad Motmaeen, Injila Ahmadi, and Madina Mahbubi, it said.
According to the Amu TV report, Taliban forces, who recently took control of the Kabul International Airport, were allegedly the ones who prevented the 14-member delegation from travelling to Doha.
The Afghanistan Future Thought Forum is a 30-member grouping consisting of former government officials, social activists, and academics, that analyses challenges and opportunities in Afghanistan, and provides policy recommendations to the ruling Taliban, as well as the global community.
The forum has held several meetings across the world, including one in Istanbul, Turkey in January 2024, where discussions were held on UN special coordinator’s report on Afghanistan, mass deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran, and the impact of Taliban restrictions on women’s healthcare.
The Taliban has not disclosed an official stance on the forum, however, the regime’s move to block delegates from attending is being viewed as a sign of their unease with such meetings.
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