KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Germany says it does not recognize a Taliban-appointed representative reported to have taken over leadership of Afghanistan’s embassy in Berlin as ambassador or chargé d’affaires and insists that the embassy’s official status remains unchanged.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said no personnel changes at the Afghan Embassy in Berlin had been formally communicated to the government, according to Deutsche Welle, adding that Berlin continues to engage with the chargé d’affaires appointed by Afghanistan’s former government as its official point of contact.
The comments came after German public broadcaster ARD reported that a Taliban-affiliated diplomat had been appointed as the head of the embassy without Berlin’s knowledge. The individual, who previously held a lower-ranking consular role, has presented himself in correspondence with Taliban authorities as chargé d’affaires, effectively assuming leadership of the mission.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claim, saying that under diplomatic protocol, a new envoy is only recognized after being formally nominated by their government and accredited by the host country. “This has not taken place in the case of the Afghan Embassy,” the ministry said.
Germany had previously accepted two Taliban representatives as consular staff at the embassy in July 2025 to assist with administrative duties, including facilitating the return of Afghan nationals ordered to leave Germany. Officials stressed that these individuals did not hold diplomatic status.
In late February 2026, Germany carried out its first direct deportation flight to Kabul under an agreement with the Taliban, sending 20 Afghan nationals convicted of crimes.
The incident highlights the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to expand their diplomatic presence abroad and seek broader international recognition. While some regional countries have engaged with Taliban-appointed envoys in various capacities, formal recognition remains limited.
The Taliban have repeatedly called for international recognition and expanded diplomatic ties. However, those efforts continue to face resistance from much of the international community due to concerns over human rights, the absence of an inclusive political system, and counterterrorism commitments. Russia remains the only country to have formally recognized Taliban rule.
