Taliban announces leader, first cabinet members of a new government

By Annisa Essack
07:09:2021

The Taliban, on Tuesday, announced Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as the leader of their new government in Afghanistan.

Chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, speaking at a press conference, said that Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar would be the deputy leader. Sirajuddin Haqqani, son of the founder of the Haqqani network, will be the new interior minister.

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of Mullah Omar, has been named as defence minister.

The Taliban invited journalists to a press conference held by chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid at Kabul’s Government Information and Media Centre.

The group that swept to power last month have been expected to announce a government since the US-led evacuation was completed at the end of August. They have promised an “inclusive” government representing Afghanistan’s complex ethnic makeup — though women are unlikely to be included at the top levels.

As they transition from fighters to governing power, the Taliban have many significant issues to address, including looming financial and humanitarian crises.

[WATCH] the press conference via Al Jazeera here

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