Switzerland updates sanctions entry for Taliban official Abdul Salam Hanafi

BERN, August 28, 2026 — Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has amended its sanctions entry for Abdul Salam Hanafi, a senior Taliban figure, under measures targeting people and groups linked to the Taliban.

Hanafi remains subject to financial sanctions as well as restrictions on entering or transiting Switzerland. The Swiss notice states that the measures originate from the United Nations and does not indicate any change to the scope of the restrictions against him.

The latest amendment primarily updates identifying information attached to Hanafi’s listing, including passport details. Switzerland has revised his entry several times since he was added to the sanctions list in May 2025, with earlier changes recorded in March and April 2026.

According to the sanctions notice, Hanafi served as a deputy education minister under the Taliban government from 1996 to 2001 and was responsible for Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan until 2008. The listing also says he was involved in drug trafficking.

The Aug. 27 amendment leaves Hanafi on Switzerland’s sanctions list and updates the information authorities use to identify him for enforcement purposes.