Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor: Taliban's new leader vows to continue fighting as he releases first address to supporters
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor was recently elected as leader of the group, following the death of long serving leader Mullah Mohammad Omar
![In this 2007 photograph, Taliban fighters arrive in Musa Qala](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/06/13/14/taliban-2007-getty.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
The Taliban’s new leader has vowed to continue fighting and urged for unity within the group, in his first statement since becoming the head of the organisation.
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor was recently elected as leader of the group, following the death of long serving leader Mullah Mohammad Omar.
A 30-minute audio clip has been released and purports to be a speech by Mansoor. In it, he calls for unity amongst fighters in a bid to quell growing factions.
He says: "We have to continue our jihad, we shouldn't be suspicious of each other. We should accept each other.
“Whatever happens must comply with Sharia law, whether that be jihad, or talks, or an invitation to either. Our decisions all must be based on Sharia law.
"We should keep our unity, we must be united, our enemy will be happy in our separation.
“This is a big responsibility for us. This is not the work of one, two or three people. This is all our responsibility to carry on jihad until we establish the Islamic state."
Internal tensions have been developing regarding the leadership of the group. Mullah Omar's son Yacoob has publicly rejected Mansoor's election, which was held in the Pakistani city of Quetta.
He said the vote took place among a small clique of Mansoor's supporters and demanded a re-election that includes all Taliban commanders, including those fighting in Afghanistan.
With additional reporting by AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments