Political situation in Kazakhstan: power restructuring in the shadow of the unrest

While gunfire continues to be reported from the Kazakh metropolis of Almaty, President Tokayev is already drawing political consequences: He is restructuring the apparatus of power and filling central posts with his own followers.

Siren alarm in the evening in Almaty. The television broadcasts urgent warnings. People should stay at home. If an “anti-terrorist operation” is taking place near your home, you should stay away from windows.

Gunfire and explosions are still reported from the Kazakh metropolis. The situation is still not under control. The unrest apparently continues in the city of Taldykorgan.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that there were still individual hot spots. Overall, however, the situation in the country is stabilizing.

Senior officials also arrested

According to official figures, more than 4,400 people have been arrested in the past few days. Among them were high-ranking officials such as the former head of the secret service Karim Massimov. The long-time confidante of the former President Nursultan Nazarbayev is accused of high treason.

Other loyal followers of Nazarbayev, who continued to pull the strings in the background, were also removed from key positions in the power apparatus.

It seems as if the end of the Nazarbayev era has come, says Temur Umarov from Moscow’s Carnegie Center. Indeed, there is evidence that President Tokayev used the unrest to expand his influence.

Lots of layoffs in a very short time

Right at the beginning of the protests he dismissed the government under Asqar Mamin, a protégé of Nazarbayev. Now the Deputy Secretary of the Security Council also had to leave. Tokayev himself sat at the head of the powerful body – and thereby ousted his predecessor Nazarbayev.

“Nazarbayev has become a burden for the entire system. Hence the decision to get rid of him now. To give him guarantees that he will go by himself,” explains the Central Asia expert Umarov.

Nazarbayev had his spokesman explain that he was behind President Tokayev. And he calls on everyone to do the same.

As soon as Tokayev has the situation in the country under full control again, it should become clear how he will use his new power. Last but not least, he made it clear that he is ready to drive a tough course with his order to shoot.