KIRZIQUISTÃO NOW

Situation in Kyrgyzstan
This report provides an update on developments from 8 April at 18:00, to the time of writing on 9 April at
17:00 local time. The situation in the country appears to be calming, although significant potential for
further instability remains. The interim government has announced 10 April as a national day of mourning
in honour of the victims of the recent violence.
1. Provisional Government
CiB has compiled a list featuring officials appointed by the interim government in Kyrgyzstan over the
last 48 hours . It has been compiled on the basis of currently available
information. CiB understands from exchanges with the interim government that Ministers who have not
been replaced are staying on as caretaker Acting Ministers, pending the possible nomination of their
successors.
2. Actions by the CiB and Head of Centre
The Head of Centre met on 8 April with Keneshbek Duishebaev, appointed by the interim government as
Head of the GSNB (National Security Service), in order to discuss the current situation. In a further
meeting, the CiB met with the newly appointed Acting Minister of Interior ad int (MoI), Bolot
Sherniyazov, in order to discuss the possible role of the OSCE CiB in supporting the MoI in the
maintenance of public order in the short term. The MoI submitted an urgent request for fuel,
communication equipment and food for the citizen patrol squads. CiB also encouraged the MoI to resume
its OSCE-initiated Community Policing outreach activities to help reassure the public.
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Zhanybek Karibzhanov, and the Director of the OSCE
Conflict Prevention Centre in Vienna, Ambassador Herbert Salber, arrived in Bishkek on 9 April to
facilitate political dialogue between all parties and support efforts to restore security and stability in
Kyrgyzstan. The UN Special Envoy for Kyrgyzstan, Jan Kubis, and the EU Special Representative for
Central Asia, Pierre Morel, are also expected in Bishkek over the weekend.
3. Situation in Bishkek
Security
The security situation in the capital remained tense but relatively calm, although looting resumed as
darkness fell. Large groups could be observed in the streets and sporadic shooting as well as sirens could
be heard at night. Reports suggest that much of the shooting was conducted by citizen patrols attempting
to put an end to the looting. There have been no reports of deaths or casualties.
Three to four looting incidents were reported by CiB sources in the Pravda/Toktogul area. The
deployment of 2-3 trucks with soldiers was observed in the area to bring looting under control. CiB also
observed repeated attempts to loot the main Beta Stores shopping mall on Chui avenue, near the UN
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building. Gunfire dispersed the crowd on both occasions. The source of the gunfire could not be
ascertained.
In Bishkek’s outlying micro-rayons citizen patrols (consisting of 3-6 persons) were observed actively
guarding street crossings, wearing white armbands for identification purposes. Citizen patrols were also
conducted by car, identified by their activated hazard lights.
According to sources within the Ministry of Interior, the OSCE-funded emergency call centre 102 is once
again operational and police – mostly in civilian clothing – are patrolling the streets. According to other
CiB sources two anti-personnel mines and one anti-tank mine were found early on 9 April by street
cleaners on Bishkek’s central Chui avenue. The mines were reportedly armed and security services were
notified. The areas were cordoned off and the mines reportedly defused by the National Security Service’s
de-mining unit.
Food supply
Small bazaars and shops are re-opening, albeit with limited supplies. The eastern part of the city has
limited number of fruit and vegetables, but is open for business. The larger markets to the north and west
of Bishkek (such as Osh bazaar and Dordoi) are closed, with some access roads barricaded with
containers. Major markets are patrolled by private security.
Money supply
Most exchange offices remain closed. Those that were open do not have any Kyrgyz currency. Banks will
remain closed until Monday.
Business recovery
Various entrepreneur unions and groups are establishing funds and mechanisms to support businesses that
have fallen victim to the recent looting. Hotlines have been established to allow businesses to submit
information with regard to their losses and an appeal has been made to the Provisional Government for
the provision of stability, and to develop favourable conditions which would enable businessmen to
quickly re-establish their activities.
Former Minister of Interior
Sources within the MoI confirm that former Minister of Interior, Moldomusa Kongantiev (who was
previously widely reported to have succumbed to wounds sustained in Talas on 8 April), is being treated
in a police hospital in Bishkek, and that he has met the newly appointed Acting Minister of Interior ad int,
Bolot Sherniyazov.
4. Situation in southern Kyrgyzstan
Osh city and province
The situation in Osh city and surrounding areas remained calm. There were no reported incidents or
looting. The transition of power in the province has been peaceful. The co-ordination committee of Osh
province is dealing with security issues, while the responsibility for ensuring stability and security in
Osh and districts has been assigned to local law enforcement bodies.
Jalal-Abad city and province
The situation in Jalal-Abad city remained calm, with public order maintained by citizens organizing
citizen patrols. Markets, shops and businesses were primarily guarded by their owners; nevertheless, a
few isolated burglaries were reported. A co-ordination council has been formed in order to facilitate the
selection and appointment of the new provincial and city administration on a consensual basis, to help
maintain order and to provide other services. Reports indicate that political groupings in the province
have agreed to organize a regional kurultai (assembly), tentatively scheduled for 10:00 on 10 April. CiB
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monitors warn of possible disturbances surrounding that meeting, and have observed a marked increase
in potentially de-stabilising rumours. Meanwhile, supporters of the former Minister of Interior,
Moldomusa Kongantiev, have lifted their blockade of the main Bishkek-Osh motorway in Nooken
district. Despite attempts by local opposition representatives, as well as religious leaders to calm the
situation by dismissing rumours, the local population, particularly ethnic minorities are increasingly
fearful of disorder and destabilisation.
According to various sources, President Bakiev remains in his home village of Markai, protected by
armed supporters and relatives. He has given several interviews to national and international media
outlets, in which he emphasised that he has not resigned. In a radio interview broadcast by the BBC’s
Russian Service during the evening of 8 April, the President further announced that “if the so-called
Provisional Government, which is self-appointed, is ready to enter into negotiations with me, then I am
ready to listen to what they have to say.”

Batken city and province
The transition of power in the Kadamjay, Leylek, and Batken districts has been peaceful and without
incident.
5. Situation on Kyrgyzstan’s borders
The situation on the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and a Kyrgyz-Tajik border remains tense but stable. Uzbek
authorities have closed the transit through the Sokh enclave and have restricted movement through the
remaining border crossing points. The Kyrgyz-Kazakhstani border remains closed, however, sources
report that holders of non-Kyrgyz passports are allowed to enter into Kazakhstan.
Bishkek, 9 April 2010