The Recent Ex-Kyrgyz Leader Clash
Kyrgzstan is considered the most politically unstable country in the impoverished Central Asia state in the region. The country past saw it as democratic stronghold known for strong leadership, but the event of the clash was triggered by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev crackdown by the media concerning his elective post into power behind violent street protects that sought to end rampant corruption in the country five years.
With the order of Forum newspaper closure by a Kyrgyz court and seizing of equipment by the police, angered protesters later clashed with the police in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Human rights defenders, who held banners and chanting slogans, criticised the closure of the newspaper and television channel that was opposed to President Bakiyev regime.
The clash came at a time when Kyrgyzstan’s residents have been angered by the rise in corruption in which President Bakiyev has been unable to tackle form the time he ascended to power, five years ago. Moreover, the country has experienced soaring energy prices and many of the residents are demanding the resignation of the president.
Reports indicate that Bakiyev managed to flee the country after the violent protests which led the Kyrgyz government to declare curfew in a state of emergency in the region of Bishkek and three others. At least nineteen people are feared dead while two hundred more injured in the Kyrgyz clashes in the anti-governmental protests that were seen around the country.
There were anarchy and street battles that ensued after the government crackdown on the opposition that gripped the state. Moreover, other reports indicated that the police use excessive force in dispersing the marauding protesters by firing live bullets after using tear gas. Demonstrators stormed parliament protesting the immediate resignation of President Bakiyev. Angry protesters complained of the soaring energy prices coupled by corruption which President Bakiyev’s administration had been unable to stem out.
Huge plumes of smoke were visible in Bishkek, billowing in the capital of Central Asian state that is impoverished. Intense gunfire rocked the capital city with a series of blasts. Some of the protesters were dragging wounded civilians many of whom were covered in blood from the main square. Dozens of bodies lay at a Bishkek hospital with gunshot wounds to their stomachs and heads.
The opposition in the country has been demanding the resignation and firing of corrupt officials who and relatives if Bakiyev from senior positions. New cycle of violence is imminent coupled by the country’s inherent vulnerability and a dislocated economic environment. The protesters were dispersed by the police where the milieu lasted for almost half an hour before more police reinforcement was brought on. This stand-off happened at an embarrassing time when Bakiyev was hosting the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, in his first tour in Central Asia.
The secretary general called for the government to protect human rights in the country and was shocked to see loss of life in the reported deaths and injuries during Wednesday’s clash. The risk in Kyrgyzstan is real and could break into the south and north. The country is in the brink of civil war, and the current powers in Kyrgyzstan need to understand the delicate responsibility towards the Kyrgyz nation. International observers predict the worst case scenario for the country as a fractured nation flooded with extremists that could turn like Afghanistan is the situation is not kept under control.
Reference:
Dzyubenko, O. (2010). Dozens killed as protesters clash with cops in Kyrgyz capital. Retrieved on April 15 2010, from http://arabnews.com/world/article40268.ece
Karasiwo, B. (2010). D-Day for ex-Kyrgyz president. Retrieved on April 15 2010, from http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/5606999-dday-for-exkyrgyz-president
Police, protesters clash in Kyrgyzstan as UN chief visits. Retrieved on April 15 2010, from http://www.france24.com/en/20100403-police-protestors-clash-kyrgyzstan-un-chief-visits
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