In a surprising move, the leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a decree calling for the removal of government officials’ relatives who were hired for government positions. This measure, which aims to prevent the appointment of inexperienced staff based on personal connections, could lead to the dismissal of several senior Taliban officials’ sons from government roles.
According to the Afghan Islamic Press, the Taliban government has faced allegations of appointing their sons to key positions within the government, which has raised concerns about the government’s effectiveness and the qualifications of the appointed officials. As a result, the decree is intended to increase the transparency and professionalism of the Taliban government.
The Office of Administrative Affairs tweeted a photo of the decree on Saturday, signaling its importance and urgency. It remains to be seen how quickly officials will act on the directive, given the potential impact it could have on the government’s staffing and operations.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban government has faced significant economic and humanitarian challenges. Decades of conflict have left the country with deepening economic woes, sanctions against Taliban members, and most foreign funding suspended, making it difficult for the government to address the country’s pressing needs.
Despite Afghanistan’s vast natural resources, including natural gas, copper, and rare earths, worth more than $1tn (£831.5bn), the country has been unable to capitalize on these resources due to years of instability.
The Taliban government’s treatment of women has been another major issue, with the international community condemning the government’s policies and practices. Women and girls are barred from attending secondary schools and universities in most parts of the country, undermining their rights to education and limiting their future opportunities.
Conclusion
The Taliban’s decision to remove officials’ relatives from government positions could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s government and operations. The move highlights the challenges that the Taliban government faces in terms of transparency, professionalism, and effectiveness. The country’s economic and humanitarian crises continue to pose significant challenges, while the government’s treatment of women remains a source of concern for the international community.
