"Taleban Pursues Inclusive Interim Government Involving Representatives from All Ethnic Groups"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Reports have emerged that the Islamic militant group Taliban, which has taken control of Afghanistan, is pushing to establish an inclusive interim government involving representatives from all ethnic groups in the country. Afghanistan, with a population of 40 million, is composed of various ethnic groups including the largest Taliban power base, the Pashtun (42%), as well as Tajik (27%), Hazara (9%), and Uzbek (9%). A significant number of non-Pashtun groups have historically formed anti-Taliban fronts.

On the 27th, Taliban officials told the Arab media outlet Al Jazeera in an interview that "the interim government will include leaders from all ethnic groups in Afghanistan." Although the Taliban had announced on the 15th, after taking control of Kabul, that they would form a broadly inclusive new government, this is the first time they have publicly revealed plans to include leaders from various ethnic groups. The officials said, "About 12 individuals are being considered for inclusion in the new government," adding, "We hope to include new faces from the Tajik and Uzbek communities as well." However, they also noted that it is currently unknown how long this interim government will last.

Earlier, some media outlets reported that the Taliban planned to form a 12-member committee to govern Afghanistan, which would include the Taliban's de facto leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, former President Hamid Karzai, and Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), among other government figures. Recently, the US CNN network reported that former President Karzai and Chairman Abdullah were placed under house arrest by the Taliban, but the Taliban have denied these claims.

Taliban officials explained to Al Jazeera that "the United States is insisting that former government officials such as former President Karzai also participate." They added, "A supreme leader meeting has also been convened to decide the form of the new government and ministerial appointments," and said the interim government will include the 'Amir-ul-Mu'minin' who will lead the 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan' (the Taliban's official state name). Amir-ul-Mu'minin means 'Commander of the Faithful,' a title previously given to Taliban founder Mullah Muhammad Omar and others.

Additionally, the officials emphasized that they remain committed to the peace agreement with the United States from last year, which aims to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a base for terrorist groups. They viewed positively the maintenance of security for millions of Afghans in Kabul, arguing that "focusing only on the thousands at Kabul airport is unfair." They also stated that women's rights, including employment, will be permitted and that a special court will be established to prevent corruption.

However, despite the Taliban's previous conciliatory announcements, foreign media report that fearful conditions persist throughout Afghanistan. Journalists have been killed, and locals who cooperated with the West are reportedly being pursued by the Taliban. On the 19th, during Independence Day, the Taliban fired on protesters carrying flags, resulting in multiple deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.