THOUGH reports of fissures within the Afghan Taliban are not new, a recent BBC story has detailed some of the major differences that exist between the so-called Kandahar and Kabul factions of Afghanistan’s ruling set-up. The former grouping is seen as loyal to the edicts of Taliban Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, while the faction in the Afghan capital is led by the likes of Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Yaqoob.
As per the BBC, a leaked audio recording reportedly of Mullah Akhundzada dating back to January 2025 warned against divisions within Taliban ranks, with the hard-line movement’s supremo asserting that differences could lead to the emirate’s “collapse”. Taliban leaders, however, have downplayed the divisions, describing them as differences of opinion within a family.
One incident cited by the official British outlet as evidence of divergences between Kabul and Kandahar was last year’s internet shutdown, ordered by Mullah Akhundzada. Within days of the edict, Afghanistan was back online, as the Kabul faction apparently defied their leader and had the internet restored.
Differences among the Taliban are natural; the movement has various power centres. While Mullah Akhundzada may reign supreme, Siraj Haqqani has considerable power, being the scion of veteran Mujahideen commander Jalaluddin Haqqani. Mullah Yaqoob, son of ex-supremo Mullah Omar, also has a significant following, particularly amongst younger Afghans.
Whereas Mullah Akhundzada is based in his Kandahar redoubt, living a near medieval life, the Kabul leaders are relatively urbane men, hobnobbing with global leaders in the Gulf, Russia, China, etc. The latter faction knows that Afghanistan cannot prosper without shedding some of the rigid curbs ordered by the supreme leader.
The Kabul leaders are hardly progressive but they do hold relatively more moderate views compared to Mullah Akhundzada and his inner circle. In the current context, this may be the best bet to reintegrate the country with the rest of the world. For example, the Kabul grouping reportedly favours education for girls beyond primary school, and some members of this faction have previously been disciplined for their views.
While major internal strife among the Taliban is unlikely, it is possible that the Kabul leaders may try to further assert themselves to implement more ‘pragmatic’ polices, without rocking the boat, thus giving Afghans a little more freedom. They should also revisit the policy of hosting foreign terrorist groups, including the banned TTP, and impress upon Mullah Akhundzada that cross-border attacks by these groups on Pakistan and other neighbours will further isolate Afghanistan. Although a ‘Kabul Spring’ is hardly in the offing, limited change in Afghanistan could be in the air.
Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2026
