The Taliban regime is planning to hold a Loya Jirga to remove the interim status from its administration and establish itself as a recognized ruling body. However, political opponents, women, and human rights activists will not be included. The gathering is expected to have about 2,000 members and will likely take place after Eid al-Fitr.
Selection of Jirga Members Controlled by Taliban
Reports from Kabul indicate that the Taliban regime has already started selecting members at district and provincial levels. This process is entirely under the supervision of Taliban-appointed governors. Around 1,344 representatives will attend, with each district sending three members: a religious scholar, a tribal elder, and a youth representative.
The leaders and deputies of provincial clerical councils, which operate under Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s direct control, will also be included. Two years ago, the Taliban formed militant groups called “Islamist Fighters,” mostly composed of young radicals. Although these groups were later dissolved, speculation suggests that youth representatives in the Jirga may be chosen from their former ranks.
The event will take place at Kabul’s Jirga Hall, but the exact date is unknown. The Taliban regime is reportedly managing the agenda, committee formations, and selection process from Kandahar.
Akhundzada’s Absolute Control Over the Jirga
Sources say Akhundzada has ordered provincial governors to submit lists of Jirga members and provincial committee nominees for approval in Kandahar. This move is seen as an attempt to consolidate power and remove the interim status from all officials, including ministers.
The Taliban regime is struggling to gain domestic and international legitimacy. Internal divisions within the group further complicate governance. Some senior Taliban leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Interior Minister, and Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, the Defense Minister, oppose Akhundzada’s strict rule. They are expected to try influencing the Jirga’s decisions.
However, Akhundzada has ensured that all provincial governors are his loyalists. They will exclude anyone who might challenge his authority. A Kabul-based source confirmed that Akhundzada only appoints governors and police chiefs after consulting jihadi madrassa clerics. He is expected to follow the same approach while finalizing Jirga members.
Exclusion of Key National Issues
It remains unclear whether the Jirga will address critical national matters such as a new Afghan constitution, the national anthem, or women’s education. However, initial reports suggest that political opponents, former Afghan officials, and women will not be allowed to participate.
A political figure in Kabul, speaking anonymously, stated that the Taliban regime’s Jirga will not be recognized by Afghan political factions or the international community. He mentioned that foreign powers have discussed forming a Supreme Council representing all Afghans, including both Taliban and non-Taliban members, to draft a new constitution.
According to the source, the goal is to create a Grand Council that can draft and approve a legitimate Afghan constitution. However, he did not specify which international actors were involved. He also expressed doubts that the world would accept a Taliban-controlled Jirga as a valid political process. So far, no country has officially supported the idea of a Supreme Council for Afghanistan’s future governance.
Jirga or Elections? A Divided Opinion
While some Afghan politicians back the idea of a Jirga, others argue that democratic elections are the only solution. Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, a longtime Taliban opponent, has proposed forming a Shurā-ye Ḥall wa ‘Aqd, a council of scholars and leaders who would choose the next ruler.
In contrast, Habib ur Rahman Hekmatyar, son of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, insists that only elections can bring a lasting resolution. He pointed out that past attempts at forming councils have failed. The National Resistance Front (NRF) and Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) have also demanded democratic elections before engaging in any peace talks with the Taliban regime.
Women’s rights activists continue to call for a legitimate government that upholds gender equality. They stress that any governing body must be transparent and inclusive.
Jirga to Worsen Taliban’s Legitimacy Crisis
A source in Kabul told Afghan media that the Jirga is nothing more than a staged event designed to justify the Taliban’s illegal rule. Instead of solving Afghanistan’s crisis, it will deepen the Taliban regime’s legitimacy problem.
“There was some hope that the Taliban might introduce reforms. Their spokespersons have often claimed that current policies are temporary. However, if Akhundzada removes the interim status of his government through this Jirga, any hope for change will vanish,” the source stated.
He also noted that Western and regional powers no longer prioritize democracy in Afghanistan. “The United States and other global powers are not focused on democratic governance in Afghanistan. As long as their strategic interests are met, they will overlook Taliban’s human rights abuses and authoritarian rule,” he added.
So far, no official statements have been made regarding international recognition of the Jirga. There is also no indication that global powers will accept this Taliban-controlled assembly as a legitimate governing body.
