Söder Urges Diplomatic Talks with Taliban Following Munich Attack

Following the recent attack in Munich, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has called for immediate diplomatic negotiations with the Taliban regarding the establishment of weekly deportation flights to Afghanistan. This plea comes in light of the attack that resulted in multiple casualties, including the tragic deaths of a mother and her young daughter.

On Thursday, a 24-year-old Afghan man drove his vehicle into a demonstration organized by the Verdi union, injuring at least 39 individuals. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, which they believe may have an Islamist motive. Söder, in remarks to a national newspaper, highlighted the urgent need for the German government to engage in direct discussions with the Taliban, emphasizing that weekly flights for deportations are essential.

He pointed out that there are nearly 2,000 Afghan nationals in Bavaria who are required to leave the country, with approximately 200 classified as serious offenders. Söder stressed that these individuals must exit Germany swiftly and advocated for a suspension of new visa grants during this period. He described the situation as critical, stating that Germany needs a comprehensive plan for addressing the challenges posed by Afghan refugees.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also indicated that deportations will proceed for those convicted of crimes, reaffirming that the perpetrator of the Munich incident will be returned to Afghanistan once he has served his sentence. The Chancellor condemned the attack as unacceptable and emphasized the necessity for justice.

Although the Taliban has expressed a willingness to cooperate on deportations, the complexities of such arrangements remain a significant hurdle. A flight from Germany to Afghanistan resumed in August 2024 for the first time since the Taliban regained control of the country, facilitating the deportation of 28 convicted criminals without residence rights in Germany.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has reiterated the commitment to continue deportations; however, the logistical execution requires coordination with the Taliban, either directly or through neighboring countries. The Taliban has indicated that they are open to reinstating consular services in Germany to manage aspects of Afghan migration effectively.

Critics of the government's approach argue that engaging with the Taliban poses risks, warning that such negotiations could allow the group to leverage these discussions to enhance their legitimacy on the global stage.

As the investigation into the Munich attack progresses, the focus on the implications for immigration policy and diplomatic relations with Afghanistan intensifies. The German government faces mounting pressure to address the complexities of refugee status and the safety of its citizens while navigating the contentious landscape of international relations.