President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has initiated large-scale reforms in the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). He noted that while the committee performs its function, "the world is changing, and our institutions must evolve and renew themselves." In light of the new challenges faced by the special services, adaptation and modernization are necessary.
On February 10, the president signed a decree to establish the State Guard Service based on the 9th service of the GKNB, which will be directly subordinate to the head of state and will be responsible for ensuring the security of protected facilities and individuals.
On the same day, a decree was signed to remove the Border Service from the subordination of the GKNB.
What awaits the GKNB in the short and long term? We discussed this with its new head Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov.
- Major General, congratulations on your appointment, which was approved by the Jogorku Kenesh. As noted by deputy Yrysbek Atazhanov, you have a lot of work ahead. What changes do you plan within the framework of the initiated reforms?
- Thank you. As you rightly noted, significant structural and organizational changes are taking place in the system of national security agencies in Kyrgyzstan. These reforms aim to create a mobile, professional, and transparent structure capable of effectively ensuring national security and protecting the constitutional order, taking into account the changing international conditions.
The reforms are being carried out in stages, in compliance with legislation and considering security priorities. As is known, as part of the structural reform, the State Guard and Border Service units were separated from the GKNB. Important organizational and staffing transformations include optimizing personnel numbers, redistributing responsibilities, enhancing analytical work, and increasing human resources potential. We emphasize discipline, personal responsibility, moral and spiritual training of employees, and the introduction of modern management approaches.
Also, the reform process will focus on traditional methods of operational and analytical work.
It is necessary to depoliticize the GKNB, freeing it from the influence of political parties and ideologies. The State Committee should not be used as a political tool.
The next important step is the professionalization of the structure, which implies prioritizing professionalism over political loyalty in appointments to leadership positions.
The GKNB will consistently eradicate manifestations of tribalism and regionalism, and appointments and decisions will be based solely on professional qualities. Otherwise, conditions may arise in law enforcement agencies for the persecution of dissenters and the growth of corruption, which the GKNB is actively fighting against. This can also lead to negative consequences and undermine the authority of security agencies. We are transitioning from a geographical to a competency-based principle, which is a step towards a more mature political model.
Quality reforms of the GKNB imply a transition to legal methods of governance, moving away from outdated military approaches. The need to create a modern national service that corresponds to the realities of the time is becoming evident.
As the president noted, a lot has been done in the country over the past five years to combat corruption. However, the anti-corruption policy was based on the personal rigidity of leaders and the resources of the law enforcement block, which yielded quick but unstable results. Society has become accustomed to visible struggles. The GKNB reform implies a shift towards a quieter and procedural anti-corruption policy, with clear rules and mechanisms for punishment. An optimal balance between publicity and a systematic approach will yield the best results.
- Regarding the competence of the special services, in recent years there has been a feeling that the GKNB controls all spheres of public and political life.
- The GKNB is engaged in identifying and preventing subversive activities of foreign special services, combating terrorism and extremism, organized crime, as well as ensuring information security and protecting the constitutional order. We inform the president and other key state bodies about possible threats.
The term "curator" is often misinterpreted. In fact, it is an employee who monitors a specific process and ensures the interests of national security.
According to the Constitution, national security agencies operate within and based on the laws of Kyrgyzstan. The GKNB is guided by the Constitution, laws on national security and operational-search activities, as well as presidential decrees.
- Thus, the GKNB will no longer interfere in the activities of tax and audit authorities and pressure entrepreneurs?
- I will do everything possible to ensure that the work of the GKNB is based on the principles of legality and transparency. All units have been given strict instructions not to interfere in business. National security agencies must ensure economic security and work in partnership with business based on trust.
- Speaking of demonstrativeness, the president instructed to work without "mask shows" and PR. Many are wondering why the detentions of suspects in the abuse of power by GKNB employees occur without noise. Is this already the beginning of implementing the president's instructions?
- I am also against "mask shows." The work of special services should remain confidential. As for the investigation into cases of abuse of power, it is being conducted jointly with the Military Prosecutor's Office. All actions are carried out within the framework of legislation. The head of state emphasized that the GKNB will continuously fight against corruption, and the demands for results remain very high.
We must not forget about the businessmen who are in pre-trial detention. There have been no mass arrests; we are talking about isolated cases where the interests of the state are affected. At the same time, pressure on the investigation is unacceptable. Speeding up the investigation should not compromise its objectivity.
- Deputy Dastan Bekeshov raised the issue of blocking "TikTok." What is your attitude towards this and what threats could it pose?
- Important issues are emerging regarding countering information-psychological operations and cybercrime. Platforms like "TikTok" can pose risks as they openly advertise drugs and gambling, as well as promote violence and immoral values.
In August 2023, the Ministry of Culture proposed to block "TikTok," and in April 2024, access was officially closed as the administrators did not comply with the law on protecting children from harmful information. Although users continue to bypass the block using VPNs, the decision was made after numerous complaints from citizens and NGOs about the content being inconsistent with Kyrgyz mentality.
The future of children is more important than any social network. No platform can be more important than the health and education of the younger generation.
The GKNB constantly analyzes and monitors social networks to identify dangerous content that may harm children, including the promotion of violence and drugs.
- Given the personnel changes, can we hope for the GKNB to rid itself of those who disgrace it?
- I will repeat that everything within my power will be done. Those who have made mistakes have already been dismissed and subjected to legal assessment, which will be communicated to the public. There will be no untouchables in government agencies - everyone who violates the law will be held accountable.
The GKNB will continue to fight against corruption and organized crime exclusively through legal methods, without "mask shows."
In conclusion, the GKNB reform is aimed at adapting to modern challenges, improving intelligence and counterintelligence activities, combating terrorism and extremism, eradicating corruption, ensuring information security, and enhancing the prestige of the agencies, which will contribute to strengthening state power.
