Nur-Sultan, 6 January 2022 (TDI): President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency across the whole territory of the country on 5th January.
The decree came in the wake of demonstrations that initially began in the Mangystau region. The residents of the Mangystau region demanded a reduction in the prices for liquefied gas.
The Government of Kazakhstan on behalf of the Head of State promptly took measures to reduce the prices along with introducing a moratorium on price upsurge in response, for socially essential food products, fuel, and utilities.
Demonstrations in other major cities escalated into riots and attacks on government buildings even though all the detainees from the start of the demonstrations were released.
Furthermore, the situation spiraled as events like the capture of the airport, attacks on the administrative offices and military sites, and taking hostage of foreign passenger and cargo airplanes in the city of Almaty became widespread.
Such deterioration of the situation depicts a high-level preparedness and collaboration between the perpetrators. According to the analysis, Kazakhstan is facing armed violence from terrorist groups that were trained outside of the country.
President Tokayev took over the role of Chairman of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan in light of the rapid aggravation of the situation. He requested the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to provide assistance for counter-terrorist operations.
As per the state of emergency, a set of measures will be adopted with the aim of maintaining the rule of law and public safety. Armed Forces and the Law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan have been authorized to control illegal actions.
In addition, the state will ensure the interests and rights of all representatives of multi-confessional and multi-ethnic people, along with the safety of foreign citizens in Kazakhstan.
These include journalists and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Moreover, the Government will protect foreign investments as well as businesses of foreign companies.
Kazakhstan is committed to adhering to international obligations in the realm of human rights and the continuation of the course of reforms implemented by President Tokayev; within the framework of the “Listening State” concept.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country is in constant communication with global partners on the prevalent issues of bilateral as well as multilateral collaboration.
