It was a piece of audio obtained by the BBC that revealed what worries the Taliban's leader most. Not an external danger, but one from within Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized control of as the previous government collapsed and the US withdrew in 2021.
He warned of 'insiders in the government' pitted against each other in the Islamic Emirate the Taliban set up to govern the country. In the leaked clip, the supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada can be heard giving a speech saying that internal disagreements could eventually bring them all down. 'As a result of these divisions, the emirate will collapse and end,' he warned.
The speech made to Taliban members at a madrassa in Kandahar in January 2025 fueled rumors of differences at the very top of the Taliban, prompting a year-long investigation by the BBC's Afghan service. This investigation revealed two distinct factions within the Taliban, with one loyal to Akhundzada’s strict vision while the other, based in Kabul, argued for reforms, notably access to education for women.
The situation reached a tipping point when Akhundzada ordered the internet and phones to be shut off. Three days later, they were back on, signaling a significant act of defiance from the Kabul group, which highlighted growing tensions.
The root of this rift lies in stark ideological differences, with Akhundzada advocating an isolated Islamic Emirate while the Kabul group envisions a more engaged Afghanistan. They argue that a modern state cannot survive without internet access, directly challenging Akhundzada's authority.
The unexpected decision to restore the internet marks a potential turning point in Taliban leadership dynamics, showcasing a willingness to oppose Akhundzada's decrees when essential privileges are at stake. However, as Afghanistan's future hangs in the balance, the fundamental question remains: will this division lead to meaningful change or just more strife?
