Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov has dismissed Kamchybek Tashiyev from his position as head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) and removed him from his role as Deputy Prime Minister. The announcement was made on the Kyrgyz president’s official website.
The decision was reportedly made in accordance with paragraph 4, part 1, article 70, and article 71 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. The reasons for the decision were not specified.
On the same day, February 10, it was announced that Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov has been appointed acting head of the GKNB. His appointment is subject to approval by the Jogorku Kenesh, the country's parliament, according to Fergana.
Later, the president’s press service released a comment from Sadyr Japarov explaining the rationale behind the personnel changes.
"First and foremost, I made this decision in the interest of our state, to prevent division in society, including between state institutions, and, on the contrary, to strengthen unity," Japarov stated.
In addition, there were reports of the dismissal of three deputies of Kamchybek Tashiev. These included Daniyar Rysaliyev, Director of the Cybersecurity Coordination Center, Kurbanbek Avazov, First Deputy Head of the GKNB, and Elizar Smanov, Director of the Anti-Terrorism Center.
Kamchybek Tashiyev had headed the national security agency since October 2020, following an appointment by Sadyr Japarov, who was acting president at the time. The two had often worked in close alignment, and sources indicate that a joint criminal case from 2012 helped to strengthen their personal relationship.
After the events of October 2020, political experts began to speak of the emergence of a political tandem, and Tashiyev took on one of the key positions in the government, holding both the Deputy Prime Minister and GKNB Chairman roles. He was responsible for overseeing high-profile criminal cases and was considered one of the president's closest allies.
Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, born September 22, 1970, was appointed acting head of the GKNB. Prior to this appointment, he served as deputy head of the agency and led its 9th service. He holds the military rank of Major-General.