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Power Struggle

Kyrgyzstan Moves Toward Power Consolidation Ahead of 2027 Election

Kyrgyzstan has changed leaders more often than any other country in Central Asia, with power shifts since independence driven by both elections and unrest. With less than ten months remaining before the next presidential vote on January 24, 2027, recent political developments suggest the authorities are now moving to consolidate control well ahead of the contest. Against this backdrop, Russian political analyst Arkady Dubnov, citing sources in Kyrgyzstan, has suggested that recent political decisions, including the sudden removal of Kamchybek Tashiyev on February 10, may be linked to efforts to manage regional and institutional tensions within the country. In particular, discussions since that decision have focused on the long-standing dynamics between northern and southern elites. This dynamic has historically shaped political competition in the country. Recent personnel changes within state institutions have targeted individuals previously associated with former officials. Such administrative reshuffling is not uncommon ahead of major political milestones, including elections, and may reflect efforts to consolidate governance structures ahead of the upcoming election cycle. Kyrgyz political analyst Kanat Nogoybaev, speaking to a Kazakhstani outlet, commented on a petition signed by a group of public figures calling for early presidential elections. He noted that such initiatives typically reflect broader political maneuvering within elite circles. Since the petition was signed, some reports indicate that several individuals connected to this petition have faced legal scrutiny, though details remain unclear. President Sadyr Japarov has addressed the removal of Tashiyev, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability within state institutions and avoiding internal divisions among public servants. “I believe that by making a swift decision, I ensured stability within the system,” Japarov said in earlier remarks, stressing that unity within government structures remains a priority. Separately, there have been discussions in political circles regarding the review of past high-profile legal cases. Former Jogorku Kenesh (parliamentary) deputy Iskhak Masaliev has suggested reassessing certain cases from recent years. One such case involves journalist Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, whose legal proceedings have attracted significant public attention. In March, the Supreme Court remanded her case for retrial, and her pretrial detention was changed to house arrest. The case is part of a broader investigation involving media professionals detained in January 2024 on charges related to public unrest. Judicial proceedings in these cases remain ongoing. Economic developments have also intersected with recent political discussions. Investigations involving the state company, Kyrgyzneftegaz, have led to the detention of several individuals, including company executives and former officials. The Kyrgyz authorities have stated that these actions are part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of state assets. Officials from the State Tax Service have addressed the case, noting that new conditions allowed for a comprehensive audit of the company. Subsequent legal actions were taken following the findings. These developments add an economic dimension to the broader political shifts underway. In parallel, Kyrgyzneftegaz has announced a general shareholders’ meeting scheduled for April 16 in Kochkor-Ata. The agenda includes governance changes, amendments to internal documents, and financial restructuring measures. While the...

Climate Change

Melting Glaciers Becoming an Increasing Threat to Central Asia’s Resources

Glacier melt in Central Asia is becoming increasingly critical, posing risks to water resources, economic stability, and regional security. In response, countries in the region are strengthening coordination and launching new scientific and policy initiatives. According to the UN, glaciers in the world’s mountainous regions are shrinking at an unprecedented rate. Rising temperatures are leading to a longer warm season and a shorter winter, accelerating the process of degradation. Glaciers remain a key element of the global water system: they account for about 70% of freshwater reserves, and nearly two billion people depend directly on these resources. In addition, they perform an important climatic function by reflecting solar radiation and limiting the warming of the Earth’s surface. Central Asia is already facing the consequences of climate change. The region is under increasing pressure from rising temperatures, droughts, and dust storms. Tajikistan remains particularly vulnerable. According to President Emomali Rahmon, of the approximately 14,000 glaciers that the country once had, more than 1,000 have already disappeared, and their total volume has shrunk by nearly a third. Yet it is these glaciers that account for over 60% of the region’s water resources. In Kyrgyzstan, the area of glaciers has decreased by approximately 16% over the past 50-70 years. President Sadyr Japarov previously warned that, if current trends continue, a significant portion of them could disappear by the end of the 21st century, posing a threat to millions of residents in the region. In response to the growing crisis, at Tajikistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation. The official launch took place on March 21 in New York and coincided with the first World Glacier Day. At an international conference in Dushanbe, the Dushanbe Declaration was adopted, expressing concern over the accelerated loss of glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost. The document highlights the potentially “irreversible consequences” for ecosystems and the economy. The five countries of Central Asia are also developing joint adaptation mechanisms. Key measures include monitoring the condition of glaciers, creating a unified regional registry, and coordinating water policy.

Flour Exports

Kazakhstan Tests Trans-Caspian Route for Flour Exports to U.S.

Kazakhstan has begun testing a new export route for shipping finished products to the United States via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), marking a step toward diversifying logistics and expanding the geographic reach of its exports. In early March, KTZ Express JSC organized the multimodal transport of a shipment of Kazakhstani flour along the route. The project is considered a pilot, but its results could help determine the prospects for establishing a sustainable commercial corridor. The shipment consisted of 24 tons of wheat flour. The shipper was SALAMAT Company LLP, one of Kazakhstan’s leading flour producers. Transportation is being carried out in container format using both rail and maritime infrastructure. The route includes: Kostanay to the Port of Aktau by rail Crossing the Caspian Sea to the Port of Alyat (Azerbaijan) Transit through Georgia via the Port of Poti and across the Black Sea Further maritime transport via Istanbul and the Mediterranean Sea Entry into the Atlantic Ocean with final delivery to New York The maritime segment of the route is being carried out in partnership with CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. The project demonstrates that the TMTM can be used for the delivery of higher value-added products to distant markets, including the U.S. This is not the first shipment of Kazakhstani flour to the U.S. In 2025, the product had already entered the U.S. market, becoming available on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as being used by a number of bakeries. Currently, there are plans to expand distribution, including entry into the restaurant and coffee shop segments. The Kazakhstani side is also preparing to supply flour to major retail chains such as Costco, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s. According to project participants, the successful completion of the pilot shipment has confirmed the viability of the logistics model. As part of further development, there are plans to shorten the maritime segment. In particular, the option of shipping cargo directly from Istanbul to New York without additional stops at European ports is being considered, which would reduce delivery times. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the route will be established as a regular commercial channel or remain a pilot project.

Food & Drink

Traditional Kazakh Foods Find a Niche in Foreign Markets

Traditional Kazakh food products such as kazy (a sausage-like delicacy made of horse meat), kumys (a fermented beverage made from mare’s milk), and kurt (dry cheese made from fermented milk) are now expanding beyond Kazakhstan's borders, becoming part of the country's export potential. According to QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center, with state support, the export of traditional Kazakh foods could reach $50-$80 million by 2028. Russia and China remain the largest markets for traditional Kazakh foods, as these countries are home to more than 2 million ethnic Kazakhs, which creates a stable demand for traditional products. Kurt and kumys are particularly popular on the Russian market. In China, especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, home to more than 10 million Muslims, there is growing demand for meat delicacies and halal products. The export of traditional Kazakh dairy products shows steady growth. The export of kumys, shubat (camel's milk), and ayran (fermented cow's milk) totaled $13.4 million in 2024 and $17.3 million in 2025 (a 29.4% increase). The main difficulty in exporting kumys is its short shelf life. Chilled kumys can be stored for only 3-5 days, so delivering it to more distant markets is a challenge. Producers are currently seeking solutions to this problem, including pasteurising it so that it can be stored for up to 30 days, as well as lyophilised kumys powder. Such products are already being supplied to China, although volumes remain modest for now. Kazakhstan's traditional foods are gradually finding their niche in foreign markets under a nomadic gastronomy brand, the cuisine of steppe culture, based on natural meat and dairy products. In October 2025, another Kazakh delicacy entered the U.S. market when Tary Coffee, a cafe aimed at introducing visitors to Kazakh cuisine and traditional products, began operating in Chicago. One of the products featured on the menu is talkan, which is made from roasted and ground grains. In addition to talkan, the cafe’s menu features traditional Kazakh foods such as millet, nawut (crystallised sugar), alongside various grain-based ingredients. According to Aitmukhamed Aldazharov, General Director of QazTrade, traditional Kazakh foods meet the world's growing demand for functional foods and superfoods. Kurt is a source of valuable microelements, while tary and talkan are becoming increasingly recognised by foreign buyers during trade missions and international exhibitions. “Traditional steppe food sells well and is in demand through networks of Kazakh restaurants and cafes abroad. For example, the famous cappuccino with tary, a kind of 'ground steppe coffee,' has already entered the U.S. market," he said.

Freight Industry

Kazakhstan Proposes Creating a Digital Platform Within the EAEU to Coordinate Freight

Kazakhstan has proposed the creation of a unified digital platform for coordinating cargo flows within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov presented the proposal at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Shymkent. The proposal involves developing an integrated system based on AI that will improve the efficiency of logistics processes across the union. Currently, the EAEU comprises five countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Moldova, Uzbekistan, Cuba, and Iran hold observer status. According to Bektenov, the creation of a unified AI-based platform will reduce cargo delivery times and lower business costs. “In order to fully realize the transit and transport potential of the Union’s member states, it is proposed to create an integrated platform for coordinating cargo flows based on artificial intelligence,” he noted. Kazakhstan is paying particular attention to the digitization of control procedures. In particular, it is proposed to fully transition veterinary and phytosanitary controls to an electronic format. This involves moving away from paper documents and implementing data exchange mechanisms both within the EAEU and with third countries. Kazakhstan is a regional leader in terms of readiness for AI implementation. Further initiatives include the creation of an artificial intelligence fund and an international computing hub.

Security

Global Terrorism Index: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan Show Zero Risk of Terrorism

The countries of Central Asia are among those least affected by terrorism globally, according to the newly published Global Terrorism Index 2026 report. However, the report suggests that the region’s stability is increasingly influenced by external factors, particularly its proximity to Afghanistan. Country scores are a composite measure made up of four indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages. To measure the impact of terrorism, a five-year weighted average is applied. The main concentrations of terrorist activity remain in Africa and South Asia. The overall level of terrorism worldwide declined in 2025, although the nature of the threats became more complex and less predictable. The report indicates that no terrorist incidents were recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Turkmenistan, who all scored 0 for terrorism risk, placing them all joint 163rd out of the 163 nations researched. Uzbekistan (95th) remains in the minimal-risk category. Tajikistan is the only country in the region with a higher threat level, ranking 41st globally. Central Asia’s relative stability is attributed to several factors, including robust security measures, the absence of active armed conflicts, and the limited presence of international terrorist organisations. Despite relative internal stability, risks to Central Asia are increasingly emerging from outside the region. The report highlights growing activity by extremist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as worsening relations between the two countries, which could potentially escalate into open conflict by 2026. Particular concern is focused on the Tajik-Afghan border, where structural vulnerabilities persist. In addition to external pressures, experts are drawing attention to internal dynamics. The report notes an acceleration of radicalisation, particularly among young people, with digital platforms and online content playing a significant role.