The German news agency NDR reports that the Taliban have cancelled a scheduled flight intended to transport deported Afghan nationals from Germany to Kabul. According to the report, the move is linked to the Taliban’s demand for an increased number of their diplomatic representatives in Germany.
NDR reports that a flight carrying deported Afghan migrants was scheduled for last week, but the Taliban revoked its authorization shortly before its departure.
Diplomatic sources told the outlet that the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified the decision by citing a shortage of their representatives and diplomats in Germany. The Taliban argued that additional staff and representatives are necessary in order to cooperate effectively in the process of orderly deportations of Afghan citizens.
According to the report, only two Taliban representatives currently hold official accreditation in Germany.
Several former Afghan diplomats also told NDR that the German government has come under pressure from the Taliban in this matter. Germany’s Foreign Office and Interior Ministry have so far not responded to the media inquiries, but they have also not denied the report.
NDR further highlights a divergence of views between Germany’s Foreign Office and Interior Ministry regarding how to engage with the Taliban. According to the report, the Foreign Office advocates a more stringent approach toward the Taliban, while Alexander Dobrindt is concerned that increased pressure on the group could complicate the deportation process of Afghan migrants.
A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry told NDR that the German government maintains close and reliable cooperation between the relevant institutions to facilitate orderly deportations to Afghanistan. However, he declined to comment on reports concerning internal disagreements within the government.
Since 2024, the Taliban have reportedly sought to take control of Afghan diplomatic missions in Germany. According to reports, the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and the consulate in Bonn are now operated by Taliban representatives.
The report adds that the Taliban are using the issue of Afghan deportations to strengthen their diplomatic standing in Germany and expand their influence over Afghan diplomatic missions in the country.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
