Taliban plans reshuffle to stem corruption

KABUL, OCT 27: The ruling Taliban militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday said a major reshuffle in its administration was in the offing following reports of corruption in some departments.

Some fresh appointments will be made 8220;to improve the affairs8221; in the Taliban administration, the state-run Radio Shariat reported. It gave no details of the changes, expected to be made public later in the day. The hardline militia, after seizing Kabul three years ago, has established control over some 80 percent of the war-torn country.

A Taliban official, requesting anonymity, said reshuffle would involve some important ministerial portfolios. Taliban Supreme leader Mulla Mohammad Omar last week issued a decree calling for five year jail sentences for officials taking bribes. Mohammad Omar admitted corruption existed in administration and some officials had been punished and dismissed over graft charges.