Taliban appoints deputy ministers in all-male government
The Taliban on Tuesday announced a list of deputy ministers that did not name any women, despite international outcry when they presented their all-male cabinet ministers earlier this month.
The list was presented by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid at a new conference in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. The list of deputy ministers indicates that the Taliban have not been affected by international criticism and are doubling down on their current hardline path, despite early promises of inclusivity and upholding women’s rights.
The international community has warned that it will judge the Taliban by their actions, and has linked the Taliban-led government’s recognition of its treatment of women and minorities. In its previous regime in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, the Taliban barred girls and women from schools, work and public life.
The Taliban have modeled their current cabinet as an interim government, suggesting change was still possible, but did not say whether elections would ever be held.
Responding to questions, the Mujahid defended the expanded cabinet lineup, saying it included members of ethnic minorities, such as the Hazaras, and women could be added later.
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