The political scientist noted the concerns of neighboring countries — Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Arkadiy Dubnov, a political scientist, commented on the decision of the former head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, in his social media, stating that he acted wisely in light of the events that occurred on February 10.
“It has been two weeks since President Sadyr Japarov took office after Tashiev's resignation. Now he has every chance to be re-elected for a second term, despite possible competition in the upcoming elections, the date of which was confirmed by the Constitutional Court at his request,” Dubnov said.
The question arises, what has happened in a country where, after the collapse of the USSR, three out of five former presidents became exiles? Let me remind you that Askar Akayev found refuge in Russia, Kurmanbek Bakiyev — in Belarus, and Almazbek Atambayev was forced to leave for Spain. Only Roza Otunbayeva and Sooronbay Jeenbekov can stay in their homeland without hindrance.
Dubnov believes that the events of the past week, which seemingly shook Kyrgyzstan significantly, were inevitable. He cited similar situations in Soviet and post-Soviet history, including the bloody events in Kazakhstan in January 2022.
However, there was no open confrontation among political forces in Kyrgyzstan.
“Tashiev quickly agreed to resign. Contrary to expectations, on February 13, he returned to Bishkek, having received security guarantees from the authorities and previously asking his supporters not to stage noisy protests upon his return. On February 15, a meeting with the president took place, which, it is claimed, was not particularly warm. However, Japarov later stated that he and Tashiev remain friends, but the former head of national security will not return to public service and should focus on his health. The next day, February 17, Tashiev left the country, reportedly heading to Turkey. He was seen off by a few people, although one of his close sports officials was not allowed to leave the country. The motives for his absence from active actions against the president may be related to the presence of compromising material against him or his health condition,” the political scientist noted.
During the four days Tashiev spent in Kyrgyzstan, he made no public statements and did not give any interviews, and journalists did not receive the promised press conference. This, apparently, was a wise decision; otherwise, he would have had to explain the reasons for the mass arrests and detentions of his subordinates, including the high-ranking head of the Bishkek national security department, Eldar Zhakypbekov.
Serious suspicions of abuse of power and violations of legality sparked a significant public discussion, especially after the media reported the nicknames of some responsible employees, such as “Vaseline” and “Licker.”
In recent days, several ministers close to Tashiev have also been dismissed. The speaker of parliament also resigned, and a new one was soon elected. The most notable resignation was that of Osh Mayor Jenishbek Toktorbaev, which is linked to his friendship with Tashiev.
The rapid personnel purge aimed at eliminating Tashiev's influence is occurring through rather authoritarian methods. However, in conditions where democratic institutions in Kyrgyzstan have not yet taken root, these changes may help avoid new upheavals in the region.
Neighbors Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have expressed concern over the current events. The presidents of these countries held telephone conversations with Japarov. The Kremlin has not yet shown a clear interest in what is happening in Bishkek, except for the invitation from State Duma Speaker Volodin for the new Kyrgyz colleague Mamataliyev to visit Moscow,” Dubnov concluded.
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