Minorities | Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada told fighters of the 205 Al-Badr Corps in Kandahar to shun ethnic favouritism and cronyism, Taliban spokesmen said

ACW | October 22, 2026 — Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has told the group's fighters to avoid "ethnic favouritism and cronyism", in remarks released by Taliban spokesmen on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

According to Etilaatroz, Akhundzada made the remarks in a speech to the 205 Al-Badr Corps in Kandahar. The reports do not say when the speech was given.

"Keep unity and harmony among yourselves and stay away from ethnic favouritism and cronyism. Sacrifice your personal interests for the system and adopt piety and religiosity," he told the fighters, according to Etilaatroz.

Afghanistan International reported that Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban's deputy spokesman, announced the speech. Etilaatroz said he also urged fighters to take care with public funds, vehicles and weapons and to perform their prayers properly.

Background: Etilaatroz noted that critics see the Taliban government as an example of ethnic exclusion, with most officials being Pashtun. The outlet said the Taliban have removed at least two non-Pashtun commanders in five years, which the Taliban deny. Earlier, a Taliban vice-and-virtue official told enforcers to set aside ethnic bias.

Why it matters: The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that the Taliban closed at least 10 Shia institutions in Kabul and Ghazni between July and September 2026. How the Taliban treat Afghanistan's ethnic and religious minorities is a key test of freedom of religion or belief.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Etilaatroz — Taliban leader urges fighters to avoid ethnic favouritism and cronyism; Afghanistan International — Taliban leader's speech to the 205 Al-Badr Corps

Photo: Etilaatroz