Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov explained that his decision to remove Kamchybek Tashiyev from his posts as vice prime minister and head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) was made to preserve their friendship and prevent a division in the country.
In an interview with the Kabar agency, Japarov revealed that signs of division had begun to appear within the Jogorku Kenesh (the Kyrgyz parliament). Some parliamentary groups were reportedly questioning others: “Are you with us or with them?” Those who asked which side people were on were shown shoulder epaulets and told, “Our side is the general's side, and theirs is the president's side.”
The situation spread among the "aksakals" (elders) on the streets, who began collecting signatures for early elections, misleading people and claiming that the decision was allegedly agreed upon "at the highest level," as reported by Fergana.
"If I had not taken decisive measures in time, the division would have reached the common citizens," Japarov said in the interview. He also noted that there had been pressure on MPs and civil servants, with threats that if they disobeyed, they would face the general.
Before the dismissal, Japarov personally called Tashiyev to explain the situation, emphasizing that the decision was made to protect his friend from those who were trying to lead him astray. "I believe that with this quick decision, I actually protected my friend. Because those around him — whether we call them 'aksakals' or 'koksakals' — were leading my friend down the wrong path," he stated.
The president stressed that the actions of the rebels could have caused a rift among civil servants and the public, so maintaining the stability of the country was his top priority.
When asked about the future of his friendship with Tashiyev, Japarov replied that their relationship would remain unchanged and would not depend on their positions. He reminded the public that the constitution obliges the president to protect the integrity of the country and the unity of the people, and that the trust the people had given him in 2021 meant the interests of the state took precedence over personal relationships.
The announcement of Kamchybek Tashiyev’s dismissal came on February 10, while he was in Germany undergoing medical treatment. Tashiyev himself admitted the decision was unexpected but emphasized the necessity of complying with the president’s orders.
Meanwhile, former head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiyev arrived in Bishkek on the night of February 13, landing at Manas International Airport, according to several media outlets. It was reported that Tashiyev immediately got into a car and left, and journalists were unable to ask him any questions.
As supporters of the politician had previously stated, the decision to return was made despite his treatment abroad not yet being complete.