Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov dismissed Kamsybek Tashiev from his position as head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) and stripped him of his post as Deputy Prime Minister, according to an announcement on the presidential website.
The presidential decree was based on Article 70, Part 1, Paragraph 4, and Article 71 of the Kyrgyz Constitution, the statement said. The presidency did not specify the reasons for the dismissal.
Later that same day, the presidency announced the appointment of Zumgalebek Shabdanbekov as acting head of the GKNB. His nomination will be submitted to parliament (Gyorgy Kenesh) for approval. Shabdanbekov holds the rank of Major General. Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service and head of the Service’s Ninth Department.
In an official statement, Japarov said the decision was made “in the interest of the state, to prevent division within society, including within state institutions, and to strengthen unity.”
Local media also reported the dismissal of three of Tashiev’s deputies: Daniel Risaliyev, director of the Cyber Security Coordination Center; Kurvanbek Avazov, the first deputy president; and Elizar Samanov, director of the Anti-Terrorism Center.
Tashev had assumed the leadership of the security service in October 2020 by decree signed by Japarov, who was then acting president. The two formed what analysts considered a “political duo” following the events of October 2020 that brought Japarov to power. Their names were also previously linked in a joint criminal case in 2012, which strengthened their political and personal relationship.
This move comes amid political speculation about a reshuffling of power centers within Kyrgyz state institutions.
