Internal disagreements within the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan threaten the stability of the Islamic Emirate, according to a leaked audio clip obtained by the BBC. The audio revealed Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada warning of internal divisions that could lead to the collapse of the Taliban's government.

Akhundzada's speech, delivered to Taliban members at a madrassa in Kandahar in January 2025, fueled existing rumors of a rift at the highest levels of the Taliban. He stated that "insiders in the government" were pitted against each other and cautioned that these divisions could ultimately destroy the emirate.

The internal conflict reportedly involves ministers such as Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqoob, who have questioned decisions made by Akhundzada, despite his spokesman claiming he holds "absolute power." The specific nature of these disagreements remains unclear, but the leaked audio suggests they are significant enough to jeopardize the Taliban's control.

The situation raises concerns about the future of women in Afghanistan, who have already faced severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The potential collapse of the Taliban government could lead to further instability and uncertainty, exacerbating the challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. Many women have bravely resisted these restrictions, advocating for their rights and working to create opportunities for themselves and their communities, despite the risks.

The Taliban's internal struggles also have implications for the broader international community, particularly regarding counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability. The United Nations and various international organizations continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, working to provide humanitarian assistance and advocate for the protection of human rights, especially those of women and girls. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the Taliban can resolve its internal divisions and maintain control, or whether Afghanistan will descend further into chaos, potentially reversing any progress made in recent years and further marginalizing the voices and contributions of Afghan women.