The entire staff of the Afghan General Consulate in Bonn has resigned in a coordinated action, citing concerns over the German government’s decision to permit Taliban representatives to operate within the consulate. A statement released by the personnel, reported by the German newspaper “taz” details their inability to continue their work under the current circumstances.
The employees, originally appointed prior to the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, represented the previous, more liberal Afghan government, a system that no longer exists following the Taliban’s rise to power. Despite this shift, the diplomatic staff in Bonn and another in Berlin continued their duties, though no longer formally recognized by the government in Kabul. The consulate in Munich, conversely, has already aligned with Taliban directives.
The decision by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to permit the entry of two Taliban representatives in exchange for facilitating deportation flights earlier this year appears to be a key factor in the staff’s resignation. One of the admitted representatives was assigned to the Bonn consulate, prompting the collective dismissal.
In their statement, the former consulate personnel express deep concern regarding the German government’s decision to allow the Taliban representatives to enter the country, asserting that the move conflicts with fundamental values. The message concludes with a hope for a future Afghanistan built on the will, dignity and dreams of its people.
Following their 2021 victory, the Taliban re-established a de facto governing system in Afghanistan. Numerous international organizations have documented significant human rights restrictions, particularly impacting women and LGBTQ+ individuals, including reports of torture and capital punishment.