The oil-rich nation of Kazakhstan is going through one of the worst series of protests the nation has seen since becoming independent thirty years ago. Here’s the reason behind all the unrest.
Kazakhstan unrest: What and why?
Kazakhstan is experiencing a sudden outburst of instability. A sudden rise in fuel prices at the beginning of the year is the reason for the triggering of protests in Zhanaozen, an oil town in the west. Since then, thousands of people are taking it to the streets across the country. The rally in the western oil town is adding to the resentment as the riches are not evenly spread among local people.
Kazakstan is roughly the same size as Western Europe and has access to a wide range of reserves. The nation is blessed with reserves of oil, uranium, precious metals and, natural gas. It has helped the nation’s tycoons and middle class. However, financial problems are rooted deep in their lives. The country’s average monthly earnings are below $600 and their banking also became prey to crises from non-performing loans. In addition to this, the financial crisis is also due to rampant corruption.
The resson for the protest
Despite the doubling of fuel prices, the people involved with the production are not being credited. The police shot about 12 people in the city back in 2011 when they were protesting to support oil workers after a strike. The recent rise in prices added to the growing fire, snapping people’s patience. Tens of thousands of citizens from other cities also joined in, leading to several protests across the country.
Additionally, Kazakhstan is well known for repressing or sidelining figures aspiring to go against the government. Hence, despite the large size of the protest, there are no key leaders. Until 2019, former president Nursultan Nazarbayev was holding the nation’s power. He named Kassym-Jomat Tokayev, his long-time ally as his successor but, continues to have power in overseeing military and security matters. Most of the protests are directing anger towards Nazarbayev. He is the nation’s ultimate ruler according to the people. The slogan “Shal ket!” rising among the masses. It translates to “old man go” referring to the former president.
How is the nation responding?
According to a police official in Almaty, dozens of protestors lost their lives during their attack on government buildings on Thursday. Additionally, the attack also leads to the beheading of a policeman and the death of at least 12 police officers. The protestors also tried storming the buildings at night. A Police spokeswoman stated that “dozens of attackers were liquidated”. Initially, the government authorities tried to appeal to the protestor. However, things soon went south.
Additionally, President Tokayev is also cutting a desperate figure. First, he tried appeasing the crowds by dismissing the government. Later, he called the protestors in Kazakstan terrorists. He also asked the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a military alliance led by Russia for help in crushing the uprising. The CSTO also agreed for sending peacekeepers to help use force to maintain the issue. It is also causing serious concern to Russia and China, the nation’s two powerful neighbors. After all, it is an ally for Moscow and, major oil exporter for China.