Kyrgyz security committee powers reduced

Kyrgyzstan’s Border Service has been removed from the State Committee for National Security and transformed into an independent state body, the State Border Service, according to 24.kg.

The outlet reported that the Border Service had previously been part of the committee’s management system and directly subordinated to its leadership.

In addition, a State Protection Service is being established on the basis of the committee’s Ninth Service. The new structure will report directly to the president and will be responsible for protecting state officials and facilities.

The Border Service of Kyrgyzstan has changed its subordination several times over the years. In 2012, border troops were removed from the national security committee and turned into an independent state body directly subordinate to the country’s leadership. In November 2020, the Border Service was again placed under the State Committee for National Security as part of reforms of the security sector. The head of the Border Service was given the status of first deputy chairman of the committee.

Earlier, it was reported that committee chairman Kamchybek Tashiev had been dismissed and replaced by his deputy, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov. Presidential press secretary Askat Alagozov said the decision was made in the interests of the state to prevent divisions in society and among government institutions and to strengthen unity.

Recently, rumors have circulated in political circles that the head of the security services might take part in the upcoming presidential election. Tashiev has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to run for president and supports Sadyr Japarov.