President Sadyr Japarov has taken the initiative within the security bloc, clearly outlining political priorities and directions for the future development of the country. Following recent high-profile resignations, including the dismissal of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev, the public was puzzled about what this could mean and what events might follow. Citizens and experts both in Kyrgyzstan and abroad speculated various theories, even questioning in some foreign publications: "What is President Japarov afraid of?", suggesting the possibility of a social explosion or a new revolution.
Most analysts leaned towards the version of "personal disputes," believing that a quarrel occurred between two comrades. However, this opinion is far from the truth. President Japarov has nothing to fear; he is stronger than ever, possessing a clear vision for the future and the support of the people. He has taken responsibility for what is happening in the country and is confidently leading it forward. Expectations of revenge from the dismissed general also did not materialize: Tashiev accepted his decision with dignity, emphasizing that the interests of the country are more important than any personal relationships.
It is incorrect to think that someone has betrayed someone else. The large-scale reform in the GKNB, including the dismissal of Tashiev's close associates, was not a result of the president's fear, but rather a consequence of much deeper processes. The security bloc, originally intended to protect the state, began to exceed its authority and turn into a "competing organization," which posed a threat to those it was supposed to assist. Over the past four years, the GKNB has acquired the traits of a punitive body, often resorting to public punishments, affecting both those who truly deserve punishment and random individuals caught in the crossfire of "fighters against corruption."
Initially, what began as a fight against crime gradually transformed into a PR campaign with harsh repressions. The president had no personal grievances against Tashiev but noticed how his friend was being derailed by intrigues acting on behalf of the agency. The main problem was that these third forces nearly split society, gathering signatures for early elections and threatening the general. The investigation will address these provocations.
Sadyr Japarov explained his actions as follows: "In 2021, the people entrusted me with the fate of the state. The constitution obliges the president to care for the unity of the people, and I fulfill this duty." The well-known "letter from 75 elders" became merely a catalyst for long-overdue reforms in the GKNB. The president emphasizes that the world is changing, and state institutions must adapt to new challenges, while excessive harshness towards citizens, including journalists, bloggers, and businessmen, should be avoided. The main task of the special services is to protect the interests of the people.
Interestingly, during this transformation, a clear value fracture is observed. While veterans of the security forces did not show support for the reforms, possibly due to their adherence to old methods, young officers of the GKNB enthusiastically embraced the changes. The new generation of security service employees actively supports the president's initiatives, seeing them as a chance to create a modern, clean, and professional institution that operates by law rather than by the notions of "forceful pressure."
The new head of the GKNB, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, has already stated the need to transition to legal methods and depoliticize the agency, rejecting tribalism. Sadyr Japarov demanded that the security forces cease unjustified pressure on businesses: honest entrepreneurs should be under the protection of national security, not its target. The president timely undertook the reform, preventing the agency from crossing into dangerous territory. His decisive actions clearly demonstrated that there would be no more coalition; a single leadership and full accountability to the people would be established for whoever this people chooses as the guarantor of peace and development. Kyrgyzstan has, for the first time, received a truly strong and independent leader who has placed the security bloc at the service of the law and society.
