Taliban Announces New Government Cabinet... Women and Former Officials Thoroughly Excluded (Comprehensive)

Supreme Leader Akhundzada "Govern According to Islamic Law"
Conscious of International Criticism... Emphasizes "Temporary Measure Due to Government Vacancy"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan armed group Taliban has announced key appointments in its new interim government cabinet. Contrary to earlier promises of forming an inclusive government and guaranteeing women's rights and employment, all major positions have been filled by Taliban leaders, with women and former Afghan government officials reportedly being completely excluded.

On the 7th (local time), according to Afghan local media Tolo News, Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, held a press conference in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, to announce key appointments in the interim government. Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, known as a central figure of the Kandahar faction, one of the largest factions within the Taliban, was appointed as acting Prime Minister. He is known as a religious leader within the Taliban who has led the Taliban's supreme council, the Rehbari Shura, for the past 20 years.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's second-in-command who was previously considered a strong candidate for Prime Minister, was appointed as deputy prime minister, expected to serve in a vice-premier role. Sirajuddin Haqqani, leader of another Taliban faction, the Haqqani Network, was appointed as acting Minister of Interior. Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of Taliban founder Muhammad Omar, was designated as Minister of Defense. According to Tolo News, all other key ministerial and deputy ministerial positions were filled by prominent Taliban leaders. Women and former Afghan government officials were thoroughly excluded from this appointment announcement.

Following the announcement, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada stated in a press release, "From now on, all matters of life and governance in Afghanistan will be decided according to the sacred Sharia (Islamic law)." As during the first Taliban regime in 1996, the emphasis on Islamic law as the main governing ideology suggests that the previously promised inclusive government formation and guarantees of women's employment opportunities will likely not be realized.

The Taliban appeared to be mindful of international criticism, emphasizing that these appointments are temporary measures. Spokesperson Mujahid stated, "The cabinet formation is not yet complete, and the appointments announced this time are only an acting cabinet to fill the prolonged political vacuum."

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