Regional Security - The Times Of Central Asia

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Central Asia Prioritizes Food Security Amid Shared Challenges

Food security remains a top priority for Central Asian nations, yet they face shared challenges that threaten regional stability. Deteriorating water resources, climate change, reliance on external food markets, and geopolitical pressures have intensified the need for regional cooperation in addressing these issues. Bilateral and Regional Efforts Talks between the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on August 8 underscored the importance of collaboration. The two leaders witnessed the signing of an agricultural cooperation agreement between their respective ministries. This followed Tokayev’s November 2022 visit to Tashkent, which was particularly productive in advancing food security. Agreements included joint production of mineral fertilizers and a bilateral cooperation program worth $1.3 billion aimed at boosting mutual trade and developing agricultural projects. Trade within Central Asia has grown significantly, with Uzbekistan’s trade volume with its neighbors nearly doubling between 2017 and 2019. Kazakhstan, the region’s leading grain supplier, plays a central role: • Uzbekistan accounts for 60% of Kazakhstan’s grain exports. • Tajikistan consumes 18%. • Kyrgyzstan takes 14%. • Turkmenistan absorbs 6%. Despite this growth, experts highlight the untapped potential for expanding trade and cooperation in agriculture. Common Challenges Food security challenges are compounded by shared threats, including demographic growth and dwindling water resources. The region’s population has reached 75.5 million, while irrigated land per capita has decreased by more than 25% over the past 15 years. Water availability in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins—crucial for irrigating 10 million hectares - faces a projected 15% decline. This is exacerbated by the alarming retreat of glaciers that feed these rivers, jeopardizing long-term agricultural sustainability. The Need for Regional Solutions While each Central Asian country primarily relies on its resources to address food security, the interconnected nature of these challenges calls for a collective approach. Enhanced regional cooperation is essential to develop resilient agricultural systems, manage water resources effectively, and ensure sustainable growth in food production.

Regional Security Kyrgyz assassination plot Government Crime Organized Crime Public Security officials

Kyrgyz Security Chief Outlines Two Alleged Assassination Attempts on President

Kyrgyzstan’s State National Security Committee (GKNB) says it has prevented two assassination attempts on President Sadyr Japarov. This was reported by Kamchybek Tashiyev, Chairman of the GKNB, when speaking to journalists. Tashiyev also claimed that since taking up his post, five or six attempts on his life have been made. Tashiyev stressed that such attempts are regularly thwarted, and significant financial resources are allocated to this end. According to Tashiyev, one of the attempts involved the planned bombing of a road he was supposed to travel on. In addition, Tashiyev described repeated threats against him and his family, in particular a threatening letter he received, which, in his opinion, bore the hallmark of foreign special services and certain oligarchs. “The millions you offered, I did not take. You were angry that you would not be [able to operate] in our country, neither criminals nor oligarchs," Tashiyev stated. "Maybe you'll hurt me, but as long as I'm alive, I will not turn from the path I started.” Born on September 27, 1968, in Barpy, a village in Jalal-Abad Oblast, Kamchybek Tashiyev is a Kyrgyz was appointed as chairman of the GKNB in October 2020, having previously served as Minister of Emergency Situations (2007–2009) and as a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh. In 2022, he was awarded the title of Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic, and in 2024, he was elected President of the Kyrgyz Football Federation. Tashiyev is also the vice-president of the National Boxing Federation of Kyrgyzstan.

incident Regional Security Armed Conflicts China Afghanistan Border Crime

Chinese Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack on Tajik-Afghan Border That Killed a Chinese Citizen

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the death of one Chinese citizen and the injury of four others following an attack near the Tajik-Afghan border. The incident, which occurred on November 18, targeted a camp operated by a private Chinese company on the Tajik side of the border. “China strongly condemns this brutal attack, expresses deep sorrow for the victims, and extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” stated the ministry. A working group from the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe has arrived at the site to provide assistance and coordinate further actions. Rising Security Concerns Chinese companies, particularly those involved in mining activities such as gold extraction, are active in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged the Tajik authorities to expedite investigations to determine the circumstances of the attack. “Given the security situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area, we remind Chinese citizens and enterprises in the region to pay special attention to security,” the ministry warned. The incident took place in the Shamsiddin Shokhin area along the 1,350-kilometer Tajik-Afghan border. Initial reports suggest the attack was carried out by armed individuals crossing from the Afghan side during the night of November 17–18. Motives Remain Unclear As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the incident occurred in the Shamsiddin Shokhin area on the 1,350-kilometer-long Tajik-Afghan border. The attackers' motives and identities remain unknown. Local sources indicate that the incident may be linked to either militant activity or drug smuggling, but no official confirmation has been provided. In addition to the Chinese casualties, a local resident was also wounded. All injured individuals have been taken to the Shamsiddin Shokhin District Hospital for treatment. The Tajik authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.

Regional Security Border Government Armed Conflicts taxes public opinion Legislation Security Afghanistan Social

Kazakhstan Abandons Universal Income Declaration Plan

Kazakhstan Scraps Universal Tax Declarations Amid Public Concerns In a surprising move, the Kazakh government has proposed canceling the universal tax declaration system set to take effect in 2025. The decision, aimed at alleviating public anxiety amid worsening economic conditions, will exempt over 90% of the population from filing declarations. Experts argue that this adjustment is necessary and practical, as the reform would otherwise add unnecessary strain on taxpayers without significantly benefiting state revenues. Public Backlash and Policy Reassessment The Universal Declaration initiative was intended to include approximately 8 million additional citizens in 2025, encompassing private sector employees, pensioners, and students. However, widespread public concern about the burden on taxpayers and tax authorities prompted a reevaluation. Finance Minister Madi Takiyev announced the exemption on November 19, citing the country's advanced digital infrastructure, which already tracks key financial data. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov echoed these sentiments, directing the Ministries of Finance, National Economy, and Justice to draft legislative amendments within three days. He emphasized that the reform had “caused concern of the population, which was brought to the attention of the head of state.” He added that a widespread income declaration is unnecessary because the databases of state agencies in Kazakhstan are "highly digitized." Streamlined Tax Obligations The revised approach retains declaration requirements for specific groups, including: Citizens with assets abroad. Individuals making significant purchases (exceeding 74 million KZT, or approximately $149,000, in 2024). Those receiving income are subject to independent taxation. Voluntary declarations will remain an option for all citizens. A Phased Reform The universal declaration system began in 2021 and was implemented in stages. Initially, it targeted government officials and their spouses. The requirement extended to public sector employees and the quasi-public sector in subsequent phases. By 2024, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and their spouses were included. The final stage, which aimed to include the broader population, faced criticism for being outdated in the digital era. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev acknowledged this, stating, “It is planned that about 8 million more people will submit declarations next year. However, we should consider that the concept of universal income declaration was adopted 14 years ago. During this time, the country has made significant progress in digitalization and fintech. Databases of various government agencies have been integrated. Financial and tax control has been strengthened. Given these large-scale changes, the question arises as to whether it is advisable for citizens falling under the fourth and final stage to submit declarations. The government needs to work out a solution to this.” Expert Analysis Political scientist Gaziz Abishev highlighted the effectiveness of the reform's earlier stages, which targeted those most likely to influence public funds or earn significant income. “The first three stages have already included bureaucrats, civil servants, quasi-public sector employees, and businesspeople. Everyone who manages public funds or earns a considerable income within Kazakhstan’s economy has already been required to report and will continue to submit declarations,” Abishev explained. The fourth stage, set to include around 8 million additional citizens, drew criticism for its lack...

Syria United Nations Conflict Resolution Regional Security Security cooperation Migrant Rights

Uzbekistan Shares Rehabilitation Model for Returnees at UN Event

On November 11, 2024, a high-level event titled “Effective Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from North-Eastern Syria – Uzbekistan’s Experience: From Global to Local” took place at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. The event highlighted Uzbekistan’s successful approach to rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals returning from conflict zones, particularly through the work of the Regional Expert Council, established in 2024 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, commended Uzbekistan’s efforts. “UN member states urgently need to develop strategies for rehabilitation and reintegration based on the experience of Uzbekistan. The Tashkent model aims to ensure the rights and dignity of the individual, which is important in these processes,” Voronkov stated. Khalid Koser, Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, described Uzbekistan’s model as a roadmap for other nations. He emphasized that the approach has proven to be effective, humane, and respectful of human rights in returning citizens from conflict zones. A focal point of the conference was the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, established under the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. The Council, based in Tashkent, aims to bring together Central Asian experts to share their knowledge and develop programs to assist reintegrated individuals in rebuilding their lives. “I am convinced that the Council, established in Tashkent at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will contribute to strengthening the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in this area,” said Natalia Gherman, Head of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are collectively improving support systems for women and children returning from conflict zones, such as Iraq and Syria.

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Tajikistan Mobilizes Civil Servants for Door-to-Door Anti-Radicalism Explanatory

As reported, officials and civil servants in Tajikistan have been tasked with going door-to-door and holding explanatory talks with the population on radicalism and extremism. In the southern Khatlon region, 1,800 civil servants, including teachers, healthcare workers, and local council members, have been assigned to carry out these talks. Officials claim the primary goal of these conversations is to prevent young people from becoming radicalized. During the meetings, they discuss topics like promoting traditional women’s clothing instead of hijabs, which authorities associate with radicalism. They also ask about relatives living abroad who might be at risk of becoming extremists and encourage young people to join the army. In the first seven months of this year, campaign groups visited over 620,000 houses. At the same time, campaign groups film their interactions with people and publish reports on social networks. Critics of the government in this regard claim that officials' door-to-door visits are nothing more than intrusions into people’s homes and interferences in their personal affairs. However, officials deny this; they say that the chosen method only allows for identifying the “most vulnerable” families and is necessary to combat radicalism among young people. “The issue of radicalization in the region is alarming, especially the joining of young people to various extremist movements. There are many cases,” said Davlatali Said, the governor of Khatlon region.