The Taliban announced a list of members in the new Afghanistan government on 7th September. In response to this, the National Resistance Front (NRF) led by Ahmad Massoud declared it as “illegal” and “a threat to the stability and security of Afghanistan, the region and the world”. The NRF called upon the people to continue the resistance against the Taliban and its “terrorist allies.”
The statement said, “NRF believes that the establishment of a democratic, legal and legitimate government can only be achieved through the will and vote of the people in a general election that is also acceptable to the international community,”
It said the Taliban’s illegitimate government regime is a clear sign of the group’s enmity with the Afghan people and for that reason, the world community must not rush in to recognise an “occupier’s regime.”
The statement also emphasised the need for international institutions like the European Union, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Heart of Asia Process along with other regional structures to pressurize the Taliban and support NRF for the sake of the Afghan people.
The statement said that NRF is planning its responses to the government but till then would expect the international community to isolate the Taliban diplomatically. “We ask the international community to declare its support for the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to rid our country of occupation and terrorism,” the statement concluded.
Read More: Turkey says ‘no need to rush’ recognising Taliban
The Taliban’s acting Government under Mullah Akhund
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid held a press conference to share this information. Mujahid said that Hassan Akhund has been appointed acting prime minister, while Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be acting deputy prime minister.
List of Acting Ministers and Heads of Departments ( in English): pic.twitter.com/XozPDYjAF6
— Suhail Shaheen. محمد سهیل شاهین (@suhailshaheen1) September 8, 2021
Amir Khan Muttaqi has been named as acting foreign minister, Abas Stanikzai has been appointed as acting deputy foreign minister, and Mullah Yaqoob has been appointed acting defence minister.
Read More: Taliban unveil new acting Afghan government members amid protests
The list released by the Taliban government received much backlash as it is concentrated with Pushtuns and Haqqanis only. The International community demands an “inclusive” government for it to recognise the Taliban. So far the Taliban are calling this list the “caretaker government”, but there has been no mention of elections.
Mawlavis, Mullas & Qaris—but no women.
The Taliban announce Afghanistan's new government, naming Mullah Hasan Akhund, an associate of the movement's late founder Mullah Omar, as acting prime minister.
In fact, everybody is appointed in an acting capacity, for now (Reuters). pic.twitter.com/9sxwVHvNyU
— Wajahat S. Khan (@WajSKhan) September 7, 2021
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin has disclosed that China is ready to maintain communication with the new government and leader in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the United States has shown discontent with the released list of ministers.
Read More: Religion & state alliance: To be or not to be?