Germany’s Foreign Ministry publicly criticized the Cologne appearance delivered by Abdul Bari Omar, the former Taliban health minister, noting that his remarks came after the Taliban had regained control in Afghanistan. In a message disseminated via social media, Berlin stated that no German visa offices had issued visas to Omar or to anyone tied to him, based on information available at the time. The ministry also emphasized ongoing coordination with domestic intelligence services and international partners to monitor developments and determine any necessary steps.
Officials stressed that Germany did not know Omar’s current whereabouts and did not recognize the Taliban government as legitimate. This stance aligns with Berlin’s position and that of its allies, who view the Taliban regime as outside the framework of the international community.
Omar, who previously led the Taliban’s health ministry, spoke to a crowd at the Cologne Central Mosque. He urged attendees to consider traveling to Afghanistan and highlighted what he described as safety improvements and ongoing recovery efforts. Media reports described Omar as presenting his visit as evidence of Kabul’s efforts to stabilize and rebuild, with claims that daily life in Afghanistan was returning toward normal for many residents.
The Cologne appearance represented a historic moment, making Omar the first Taliban spokesperson to address a public audience in Germany since the group seized control in 2021. Germany has long restrained formal recognition of the Taliban and has been cautious about appearances or statements that could appear to legitimize or normalize the regime. The event drew attention from observers monitoring Taliban outreach efforts in Europe and beyond.
The broader debate centers on how Western governments should respond to Taliban rhetoric and whether dialogue with regime affiliates should occur. In Germany, security agencies continuously assess risks tied to public appearances by former Taliban officials or affiliates, particularly when such events occur on European soil. Berlin remains focused on human rights, inclusive governance, and the protection of refugees and asylum seekers who fled Taliban rule. Visa and travel policies involving individuals connected to Taliban leadership stay under strict scrutiny to prevent any misrepresentation of the group’s status in official records, according to the German Foreign Ministry.
Observers note that Omar’s remarks may reflect a broader strategy to underscore changes in Afghanistan and to influence Afghan communities abroad. Critics argue for a clear distinction between lawful political statements by individuals and the legitimacy of a government that remains widely rejected by the international community. German authorities have consistently stated that recognizing Taliban rule would carry diplomatic and security consequences because of the group’s past behavior and ongoing constraints on civil liberties in Afghanistan, as explained by the German Foreign Ministry.
At present, the Cologne appearance highlights the delicate balance European states strive for as they monitor Taliban activities, maintain public order, and uphold a policy of non-recognition for governments that fail to meet international norms. German officials pledge continued collaboration with internal security agencies and international partners to track developments that could affect safety and policy in Germany and beyond. As events unfold, Berlin intends to report new findings and adjust measures in line with evolving risk assessments and international obligations, according to the German Foreign Ministry.