Taliban Leader Urges Countries Not to Interfere in Afghanistan’s Internal Affairs

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, has called on countries around the world not to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. In a message issued on Monday, March 15, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Akhundzada urged other nations to “respect the beliefs and values of the Afghan people and refrain from interfering in our internal matters.” The message stated that the Taliban seek to maintain relations with the Islamic world based on Islamic brotherhood and to build “good and beneficial relations with other countries based on Islamic principles.” Without referring directly to the conflict in Iran, Akhundzada said that the group condemns “wrong actions against Muslims and violations of their rights” anywhere in the world. He also made no reference to the ongoing tensions and clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan. Since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have repeatedly called on the international community not to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.