Head of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan dismissed from office

Kamchybek Tashiev, the main negotiator for the Kyrgyz side in the border disputes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, has been relieved of all his positions.

Kamchybek Tashiev has been dismissed from his position as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan. The corresponding decree was signed by President Sadyr Japarov on February 10.

According to Kyrgyz media, Sadyr Japarov, commenting on Tashiev’s dismissal, stated:

“First of all, I made this decision in the interests of our state, in order to prevent a split in society, including between state structures, and on the contrary — to strengthen unity.”

However, later the president’s press secretary Askhat Alagozov stated that “he did not mention Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich at all,” and these words of the president do not relate to Tashiev himself.

According to him, the issue concerns some politicians and others who, under the name of Kamchybek Tashiev, were calling parliament deputies, public figures, and representatives of the intelligentsia, urging each to take various actions: “support the general, sign here, do this or that,” and so on. Alagozov stated that these actions created a tense atmosphere in society, including among responsible officials in state structures, including parliament.

Tashiev, who held the positions of head of the Cabinet and GKNB since October 2020, was considered one of the key figures in the government and the second person after Japarov. His resignation — given that he was perceived as a close associate and long-time ally of the president — caused a wide public outcry and generated numerous versions about the existence of disagreements and tensions within the political elite of Kyrgyzstan. Observers believe that this decision may indicate more significant changes in the ruling elite of the country.

At the same time, Kyrgyz media, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that the president’s decree caught the former head of the GKNB by surprise. According to them, Kamchybek Tashiev flew out of Kyrgyzstan for treatment in Germany a few days ago. He required procedures. Preliminary reports indicate that he complained of heart pain.

According to some reports, several of Tashiev’s deputies were also dismissed, including Kurbanbek Avazov, Daniyal Risaliev, and Elizar Smanov.

Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov has been appointed as the acting chairman of the State Committee for National Security to replace Tashiev. Shabdanbekov previously held the position of head of the 9th service of the GKNB.

Experts believe that these changes are occurring against the backdrop of Tashiev’s recent statement about his intention to run in the upcoming presidential elections. At the same time, political tension is rising within the ruling elite in Kyrgyzstan, and rumors are spreading in society about the possible dismissal of other high-ranking officials, including the speaker of parliament.

Political experts view the current events as an attempt to concentrate power in the hands of one person, namely President Sadyr Japarov. Tashiev, who was an ally of Japarov during the 2020 revolution, may now find himself in opposition, although Tashiev has not made any official statement at this time.