The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, declared on Sunday that Afghanistan has no need for Western legal systems, asserting that Islamic sharia law is fully in effect and that democracy has ended in the country. "There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws," Akhundzada said during an Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar. The 50-minute message was shared publicly by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X. Akhundzada's remarks reaffirm the hardline stance of the Taliban government, which has significantly rolled back civil liberties — especially for Afghan women and girls — since regaining control of the country in 2021. Under the group's interpretation of Islamic law, women have been barred from education, most public sector jobs, and public life. Despite global condemnation, Akhundzada dismissed any role for democratic governance, stating, "Democracy has come to an end in Afghanistan." He accused supporters of democracy of attempting to drive a wedge between the Afghan people and the Taliban. He also criticized the West, saying non-Muslim countries were aligned in opposition to Islam, referencing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as evidence. While the Taliban face no formal opposition in the country, internal rifts have emerged. Some Taliban officials have pushed for easing restrictive policies and improving relations with the international community to gain economic and political support. However, Akhundzada and his close inner circle have maintained a firm grip on power and policy direction. In recent months, there has been limited engagement between the Taliban and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, largely centered on prisoner releases and humanitarian coordination. — Agencies
