RASC News Agency: Informed sources report that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, has dismissed a proposal from the Haqqani faction to appoint Ahmad Haqqani, son of the late Khalil Haqqani, as Minister of Refugees. According to the sources, Mullah Hibatullah instead appointed Abdul Kabir, the former deputy political chief of the Taliban’s leadership council, to the position. However, Mawlawi Kabir has yet to formally assume office or begin his duties.
The Haqqani network, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, had symbolically endorsed Ahmad Haqqani during Khalil Rahman Haqqani’s funeral on December 13, 2024. In a public ceremony, Ahmad was ceremoniously crowned with his father’s turban, signaling the Haqqani faction’s intention to secure his appointment as Minister of Refugees. Mawlawi Kabir attended the event, which was perceived as a direct message from the Haqqanis in Paktia to the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, underscoring their claim to the ministry a position Khalil Rahman Haqqani had held for three years. Nevertheless, Mullah Hibatullah firmly rejected the move.
Former Senate Deputy Mohammad Asif Siddiqi remarked:
“During Khalil Rahman Haqqani’s funeral, Ahmad Haqqani was publicly crowned with his father’s turban in the presence of Mawlawi Kabir and other Taliban officials. This was a clear declaration by the Haqqani network that Ahmad was their preferred candidate for the Ministry of Refugees. However, Mullah Hibatullah’s decision to block this succession underscores his determination to assert his authority over the Haqqanis and prevent any competing power centers within the Taliban leadership.”
Despite Mullah Hibatullah’s decision, the Ministry of Refugees has remained vacant for six days, and no announcement has been made regarding the status of the deputy political chief position previously held by Mawlawi Kabir. Analysts believe the delay reflects deepening divisions between the Kandahari Taliban leadership and the Haqqani network, highlighting internal rivalries that could further destabilize the group.
