What did the Taliban supreme leader say in a rare appearance?

“Congratulations on victory, freedom and success. We are happy for the state of security and for the Islamic system,” Akhundzada told thousands of worshipers at the Eidgah shrine in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

Mr Akhundzada spoke from one of the front rows of devotees in Kandahar, but did not face the crowd. Taliban officials do not allow journalists to approach Akhundzada, according to AFP.

The image of Mr. Hibatullah Akhundzada was released by the Taliban on May 25, 2016 AFP

This is Akhundzada’s second public appearance since he took the reins of the Taliban in 2016. The first appearance was in October 2021, when Akhundzada visited the Darul Uloom Hakimiah temple in Kandahar, according to a passage. recordings are posted to the account social network of the Taliban.

Mr. Akhundzada became the Taliban’s supreme leader in a rapid transition of power after his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, was killed in a US air strike. Since then, Mr. Akhundzada has remained a reclusive figure, even after Taliban take power in Afghanistan from August 15, 2021.

Akhundzada’s lack of public appearances has fueled speculation about his role in the new Taliban government, which was formed after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, and even rumors of his death.