Negotiations are nearing completion on a deal between the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Taliban, potentially enabling the regular deportation of convicted criminals.
According to reports, two officials from Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s (CSU) department conducted discussions in Kabul over the weekend to finalize technical aspects of the repatriation process. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the talks upon request, following the officials’ departure from the country.
The Ministry had reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with the Taliban regarding regular deportations as early as September. Discussions leading to this accord were held in Doha, Qatar, by a senior official from Berlin.
The Taliban, who regained power in Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, maintain a liaison office in Doha, with which the German government maintains regular contact.
Reports indicate that the Taliban negotiations have been successful, resulting in a verbal agreement. Within this agreement, the Taliban reportedly assured that returnees to Afghanistan will not face prosecution or the death penalty.
Crucially, the Taliban are not expected to demand specific concessions in exchange for the cooperation, fostering optimism within the Interior Ministry regarding the potential launch of the initial deportation flights to Kabul later this year.
According to security sources, the recent trip by the small German delegation to Kabul focused solely on resolving technical details. Discussions included the potential role of the German Federal Police in accompanying future deportation flights and the establishment of a reintegration program designed to facilitate the returnees’ integration within Afghanistan.