Germany Grants Taliban Envoys Diplomatic Immunity Despite Non-Recognition

DID Press: Germany has quietly accepted two diplomats appointed by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities and granted them consular immunity, a move that appears to contradict Berlin’s official stance of not recognizing the Taliban government.

According to the European Conservative magazine, the two envoys began work at Afghanistan’s Consulate General in Bonn on October 3, following the recall of the previous consul general who had refused to pledge allegiance to the Taliban. The German Foreign Ministry declined to renew the former envoy’s credentials and instead accredited the new appointees.

European sources cited by the magazine said the decision effectively acknowledges the Taliban’s administrative authority in Germany, even if Berlin insists it does not recognize the group’s government.

Under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the newly appointed Taliban representatives enjoy consular immunity, which protects them from prosecution for official acts. One of them has been registered as “Consul General” — a title the Foreign Ministry says does not amount to legal recognition, but still grants full representational powers.

The report added that the arrangement may allow Taliban representatives access to sensitive information, including data on Afghanistani refugees living in Germany. Responding to criticism, the Foreign Ministry said it was obliged under international law to accept the replacement of Afghan diplomatic staff, since Afghanistan remains recognized as a state under international law.

Berlin maintains that it does not view the Taliban as a legitimate government. However, The European Conservative described Germany’s stance as contradictory, noting that Berlin is implementing directives from Kabul while denying the Taliban’s legal authority.

Analysts say the move reflects a gradual and cautious shift in Germany’s foreign policy, providing the Taliban’s “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” a degree of de facto legitimacy. No Western nation other than Russia has yet formally recognized the Taliban government.