Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), rejected claims of division and fragmentation among opponents of the Taliban, saying that anti-Taliban groups remain united around shared principles, common values, and Afghanistan’s national interests.
Referring to the public support for Taliban opponents, Massoud stated that if free and transparent elections were held in Afghanistan, Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum would receive more votes than Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader. According to him, this demonstrates that the Taliban do not enjoy broad popular support.
These remarks come as Afghanistan has not held any nationwide elections since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. During this period, political parties have faced extensive restrictions, the previous constitution has effectively been set aside, and many political leaders and Taliban opponents have remained outside the country.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to face multiple challenges, including an economic crisis, unemployment, widespread poverty, severe restrictions on the rights and education of women and girls, declining international aid, and growing political isolation, all of which continue to affect the lives of millions of Afghans.
Source: Statement by Ahmad Massoud.