Islamic Emirate Member Assumes Control of Afghan Embassy in Berlin, German ARD Reports

German broadcaster ARD reported that Nibras al-Haq Aziz, affiliated with the Islamic Emirate, has taken over supervision of the Afghan embassy in Berlin without the knowledge of the German government.

Aziz entered Berlin in July 2025 as an ordinary consular employee with German approval. His stated mission was to cooperate in deporting Afghan refugees. However, ARD said he was simultaneously tasked by the Islamic Emirate to assume control of the embassy.

Aziz is now acting as chargé d'affaires and signs official documents in connection with the Islamic Emirate's Foreign Ministry in Kabul, according to the report. The previous chargé d'affaires, Abdul Baqi Popal, has been sidelined and relegated to a ceremonial role.

A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said no personnel changes in Afghan diplomatic representations have been reported to the ministry. Germany does not recognize the Islamic Emirate government.

The report noted that the Islamic Emirate had previously taken control of the Afghan consulate in Bonn, Germany.