Abdul Ghani Baradar vs Baleka Mbete

Abdul Ghani Baradar co-founded the Taliban movement alongside Mullah Omar in Kandahar. He played a key role in organizing the group's early military campaigns and establishing its ideological framework, becoming a top military commander.

Abdul Ghani Baradar was captured in a joint US-Pakistan intelligence operation in Karachi, Pakistan, in February 2010. His arrest was a major blow to the Taliban's leadership and disrupted their command structure during the war.

Abdul Ghani Baradar was released from Pakistani custody in October 2018 at the request of the US. His release was part of efforts to facilitate peace negotiations between the Taliban and the US, leading to the Doha Agreement.

Abdul Ghani Baradar signed the Doha Agreement on behalf of the Taliban in February 2020. The agreement outlined the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, paving the way for the Taliban's return to power.

Abdul Ghani Baradar was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan in September 2021. He became a key figure in the new administration, overseeing economic and political affairs.

Mbete was elected Deputy Speaker of the South African National Assembly. She served in this role until 2004, presiding over parliamentary proceedings and assisting the Speaker.

Mbete was elected Speaker of the South African National Assembly, a position she held until 2008. She presided over the house, ensuring parliamentary rules were followed and representing the legislature.

Mbete was elected National Chairperson of the ANC at the party's 52nd National Conference in Polokwane. She became the highest-ranking woman in the ANC's leadership structure, serving under President Jacob Zuma.

Mbete was re-elected as Speaker of the National Assembly after the 2014 general elections. She served until 2019, presiding over a period of intense political debate and controversy, including motions of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma.