The Taliban’s reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, made a rare public appearance and speech at Kandahar University, where he warned of an ongoing “narrative war” waged by the western countries following what he described as their military defeat in Afghanistan.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education, Akhundzada addressed thousands during a four-day religious conference titled “Teaching Islamic Culture Subjects,” held under the leadership of Nangarhar University. The event, hosted at Kandahar University, reportedly brought together over 2,600 participants.

In his speech, Akhundzada declared, “The infidels were defeated in the war in Afghanistan, and now they have started a narrative war, which we must fight together against.” He emphasised the need for continued resistance, stating: “For twenty years, the people of Afghanistan did jihad for the establishment of the Sharia system. Now, even if it takes a hundred years of sacrifice, we must not tire in its implementation.”

He also underscored the importance of education, urging officials to serve in a way that turns students into a “spiritual force” for Afghan society. Stressing unity among Taliban members and their supporters, he added: “I want for you the same as I want for myself, and if you want for me the same as you want for yourselves, then no enemy can create division among us, and the system will face no problems.”

The Ministry’s statement noted that over 2,000 attendees pledged allegiance to Akhundzada during the event. Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education, explained the pledge as a complete submission of one’s life and property to the “Amir” in exchange for the establishment of “the religion of Allah.”

No images or videos from the conference have been released, consistent with Akhundzada’s strict avoidance of media exposure.

Notably absent from the Taliban leader’s speech was any mention of the ongoing ban on education for girls and women. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has barred an estimated 2.2 million Afghan girls from attending school and has prohibited women from accessing higher education; moves widely condemned by the international community.

Despite international pressure, Akhundzada has remained firm in his stance on enforcing what he interprets as Sharia law. As a result, the reopening of girls’ schools remains uncertain, and no country has formally recognised the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.