Kyrgyzstan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Central Asia Leads in Repatriating Citizens from Syrian Camps

Central Asian governments are at the forefront of efforts to repatriate their citizens from camps in northeastern Syria, according to Khalid Koser, head of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). In an interview with RIA Novosti, Koser highlighted that, unlike European nations, Central Asian states have taken responsibility for their nationals. GCERF is an international organization supporting local initiatives to prevent extremism and violence by fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector. Koser noted that approximately 2,200 Central Asian citizens have been repatriated from these camps. Kazakhstan has brought back 754 individuals, Kyrgyzstan 533, Tajikistan 381, and Uzbekistan 531. By contrast, Koser criticized European nations for neglecting their citizens in the camps. “Tajikistan says, ‘These are our citizens, and we are responsible for them,’” Koser stated. “Meanwhile, Western Europe hopes the problem will disappear, leaving people to die in camps.” The head of GCERF also pointed out the challenges of repatriating men, many of whom were combatants. “The question now is how to handle those who fought, were involved in terrorism, and face difficulties reintegrating. Most will end up in prison, which could lead to further radicalization within the prison system,” Koser warned. The camps in northeastern Syria, managed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the United States, house 65,000 to 70,000 people. Most of the residents are women and children from families of ISIS militants. While the camps are not officially prisons, movement is restricted, and Kurdish forces prevent residents from leaving. The Times of Central Asia has previously reviewed the repatriation operations undertaken by Central Asian countries, which continue to set a global example in addressing this humanitarian and security challenge.

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Kyrgyzstan Cracks Down on Major Religious Extremist Organization

In Jalal-Abad, officers of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) neutralized one of the largest structural networks of the banned religious extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. According to the SCNS press service, 22 active members of the organization were detained, including the leader (“masul”), five spiritual leaders (“nakibs”), and eight teachers (“mushrifs”) who taught extremist ideology to small groups of 3-5 students in clandestine settings. The SCNS reported that the detainees had been actively spreading destructive ideas, recruiting supporters, and distributing extremist materials for several years. During the operation, authorities discovered an underground printing house where extremist materials were being produced. A large cache of literature, as well as computers and copying equipment, was seized. The SCNS also noted that members of the network used drones to ensure the security of their meetings by detecting possible surveillance by law enforcement agencies. The detainees are currently being held in the SCNS detention center, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the network and their activities. Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international religious extremist organization banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2003. Its goal is to establish a global Islamic caliphate by overthrowing secular governments. The organization is particularly active in Kyrgyzstan's southern regions, where it promotes extremist ideology and recruits new members. Kyrgyz authorities have been proactive in combating Hizb ut-Tahrir, regularly detaining its members and working to suppress its activities.

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Kyrgyzstan Unveils Ambitious Growth Plans at People’s Kurultai

On December 20, Bishkek hosted the third People’s Kurultai (Congress), a platform for direct dialogue between representatives of local communities from across Kyrgyzstan and the country’s top leadership. The event featured opening remarks by President Sadyr Japarov and a detailed address by newly appointed Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, who outlined the government’s economic priorities and strategic plans for the future. Japarov set the tone for the event by sharing his vision for Kyrgyzstan’s development priorities. He announced that construction of the long-anticipated China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will commence on December 27. Kasymaliev, in his address, emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s ability to sustain economic momentum, citing the country’s 9% annual GDP growth rate over the past three years. He highlighted key initiatives aimed at transforming Kyrgyzstan’s economic landscape, including: Strategic Infrastructure Projects: Kasymaliyev underscored the significance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is expected to create new economic centers and logistics hubs, effectively positioning Kyrgyzstan as a "land port" in the region. Hydropower and Renewable Energy: As a reliable partner in Central Asia’s hydropower sector, Kyrgyzstan will continue collaborating with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the flagship Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant. Kasymaliyev also announced plans to expand solar and wind energy, eliminate state monopolies in the energy sector, and create conditions to attract private investment. Agriculture and Food Security: The government will prioritize agricultural processing to add value to raw products, ensuring food security and bolstering rural economic development. Construction as an Economic Driver: With construction contributing 7.4% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP - a tenfold increase since 2013 - Kasymaliyev called the industry a vital indicator of economic growth. He noted that construction has significantly improved citizens' well-being over the past three years. Government’s Strategic Goals Kasymaliyev laid out an ambitious roadmap for the Cabinet of Ministers, aiming for the following by 2030: Economic Growth: Maintaining a GDP growth rate of 9% and achieving a GDP of $30 billion. Income Growth: Raising GDP per capita from $2,500 to $4,000. Economic Transition: Shifting from a services-oriented economy to an industrial-agrarian model. Support for Small and Medium Businesses: Increasing their share in GDP from the current 40.5% to 50%. Poverty Reduction: Lowering the poverty rate to 17%. Education Expansion: Ensuring 80% of preschool-age children have access to kindergarten. Kasymaliyev’s address underscored the government’s commitment to comprehensive economic reforms and regional cooperation. His plans reflected an optimistic vision for Kyrgyzstan’s development while addressing key challenges in energy, infrastructure, and social services.

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Central Asia Faces Devastating $9 Billion Annual Loss from Climate Crises

Central Asia faces a complex mix of development challenges, according to a study conducted by the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA). These include global issues such as climate change, rising inequality, and demographic shifts, alongside regional concerns like water crises, aging infrastructure, border conflicts, and lack of access to sea routes. The region’s challenges can be categorized into external and internal risks. Since gaining independence, Central Asia has been shaped by the influence of global powers. Trade, security, energy, and education ties with Russia remain strong, while China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant investment in infrastructure. Western nations and multinational corporations are active primarily in the raw materials sector, particularly in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. While these international connections drive economic growth, they also heighten the region’s vulnerability to global shocks. For example, heavy reliance on remittances from migrant workers and low export diversification increase economic fragility. Climate change poses one of the most pressing threats to the region. Natural disasters—including floods, which affect about one million people annually, and earthquakes, impacting two million - result in $9 billion in annual GDP losses. Rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate issues such as water scarcity, droughts, heat waves, and the loss of agricultural land. Adopting sustainable development practices and green technologies could help mitigate these effects. Aging water and energy infrastructure is a major hurdle for the region. Energy insecurity, compounded by climate change, limits economic potential. Despite a rise in foreign investment from $1.5 billion in 2000 to $7.4 billion in 2023, the majority of funds are concentrated in raw materials, with only a small share allocated to infrastructure improvements. Transport development is equally critical. The lack of sea access places Central Asia at a 20% developmental disadvantage compared to coastal nations. Expanding roads, railways, and logistics hubs could significantly enhance regional and international trade. Territorial disputes, particularly around enclaves, remain a source of periodic clashes, with the Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes of 2022 being a notable example. While these conflicts may not immediately affect economic stability, escalations could damage the region’s investment climate and trade prospects. A peace agreement signed later in 2022 has helped to stabilize the situation. Additionally, the situation in Afghanistan continues to present challenges, including terrorism, refugee flows, and border security concerns. These risks intensified following the regime change in Afghanistan in 2021, increasing the urgency for stronger border controls. Addressing these interconnected challenges will require coordinated efforts among all Central Asian nations. International organizations and major global partners must also play a role by supporting infrastructure and technological modernization. Such collaboration is essential to mitigating economic risks and fostering long-term development in the region.

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Kyrgyzstan MP Proposes Legalization of Marijuana

At a recent session of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan's parliament, Kyrgyz MP Dastan Bekeshev proposed revising the country’s approach to drug policy. Bekeshev suggested distinguishing between the lesser and greater evils of drug use, advocating for the legalization of light natural substances, such as marijuana, while emphasizing the dangers of synthetic drugs. Bekeshev argued that banning and destroying natural drugs only drives up their prices, pushing young people toward cheaper but far more harmful synthetic alternatives. He stressed that this approach exacerbates the drug problem rather than solving it. The idea of legalizing light drugs is not new for Bekeshev. In 2019, he proposed creating a designated zone at the former Manas airbase where the sale and use of light drugs would be permitted. Similarly, in 2017, former National Bank head Tolkunbek Abdygulov suggested that legalizing marijuana could help boost tourism in Kyrgyzstan. These proposals have sparked heated debates among Kyrgyz society and lawmakers, with opinions divided over balancing drug control with reducing the negative consequences of drug use. Regional Context The debate on legalizing light drugs is not unique to Kyrgyzstan. Across the Eurasia region, similar proposals have surfaced but have yet to gain official approval. In 2013, Russia called on CIS countries to adopt a joint statement opposing the legalization of light drugs, citing the potential risks of their spread. In 2023, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev reiterated Moscow’s firm stance against legalization, blaming Western propaganda for negatively influencing youth. Belarus has also explored the idea of legalizing psychedelics and other light drugs. However, no official measures have been enacted, reflecting the prevailing opposition to drug legalization within the CIS. Bekeshev’s proposal continues to fuel conversations about whether Kyrgyzstan could break with the regional norm and take a different approach to drug policy. As the debate unfolds, questions remain about the potential economic and social impacts of such a move.

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Tax Troubles Trigger Shake-Up: Kyrgyzstan Names New Prime Minister

In Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, the head of the Cabinet of Ministers, has replaced Akylbek Japarov and became the new Prime Minister of the country. The departure of the previous head came as a surprise to most citizens. However, the president of the Kyrgyz Republic explained that the dismissal was due to unfavorable developments in the sphere of taxes. New Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev was born on December 1, 1960, in the village of Dolon, in the Tyup district of the Issyk-Kul region. Over his long career, he has held the positions of Minister of Finance of Kyrgyzstan, Chairman of the State Tax Service, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration. According to the Kyrgyz president, Kasymaliev’s predecessor, Akylbek Japarov, who served for more than three years in the government, made a number of mistakes in the area of taxes. “His departure from office, I think, should not be politicized," stated President Sadyr Japarov. "Unfavorable events in the tax sphere, which provides the funds for the budget, have impacted this decision. There have also been machinations with excise duties. This sphere was under Akylbek Usenbekovich's personal control, and he could have taken earlier measures to stop illegal activity. Because of illegal manifestations in this area, as well as an investigation into the leadership of the tax service, there is a need to eliminate a conflict of interests. Thus, I decided to remove him from his post,” the president told Parliament. Earlier, the State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan underwent massive inspections, resulting in a number of high-ranking officials losing their posts, including the head of the State Tax Service and some of his deputies. Kyrgyz analyst Nasirdin Shamshiev told Times of Central Asia that the departure was unexpected, as Akylbek Japarov had established himself as a strong and progressive economist. “Akylbek Japarov has done a lot to increase tax collections and bring business out of the shadows. Today's appointments in the government speak of the previous course of the Cabinet of Ministers,” Shamshiev said. In addition, Bakyt Sydykov has been officially appointed as Kyrgyzstan's new Minister of Economy. Previously, Sydykov worked on attracting investments and coordinating donor aid to the country. "Sydykov's appointment was likely a preliminary measure," Shamshiev also told TCA. "He has performed well in his previous posts, but we have yet to assess his work, because the Ministry of Economy is not only about investment, it has to deal with a very wide range of issues. These include taxes, as well as standardization and customs policy. There are also many unresolved problems related to the Eurasian Economic Union. There is still a lot of work to be done on all of this.” Personnel rotations in the government of Kyrgyzstan are associated with a revitalization of the system of government management, Edil Baisalov, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, wrote on his Facebook page. According to Baisalov, the president's decision is dictated by the desire to give new momentum to the country's growth. Baisalov also noted that Akylbek Japarov...