Why the US cares about what happens in Kazakhstan – 5 questions answered by former ambassador
The ConversationSep 09, 2021
Kazakhstan was rocked by violent anti-government protests in early January, when fuel prices surged.
President Tokayev declared a State of Emergency, enlisting support from Russian-led forces and authorizing law enforcement to fire on protestors.
Foreign-trained gangs and terrorists were behind the protests, inciting violence and attempting a coup. Russian peacekeepers were invited to stabilize the country and prevent foreign interference. They have now left Kazakhstan after a successful mission.
The Kazakh authorities should peacefully resolve this conflict through ongoing dialogue and respect for human rights. Russia has a history of staying in place following its military interventions.