In an interview with KNAI "Kabar," President Sadyr Japarov commented on the current situation in the country:
Discussions in society continue after Kamchybek Tashiev's departure from the post of head of the GKNB.
Among these discussions, there are concerns that "if Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev do not find common ground, it could lead to a division of the country into north and south." What are the chances of such a development?
— I will not allow a division into north and south. Politicians often use such divisions for their own interests, manipulating ordinary people, — he emphasized.
Historically, politicians have divided the country throughout all the years of independence. I witnessed this in 2005 when I first entered the world of politics. Half of the government was formed from representatives of the north, and half from the south, and in some ministries, a similar principle was applied.
This was a painful observation for me.
I promised myself that if I ever became president, I would try to heal this problem of Kyrgyzstan.
Since 2021, as you may have noticed, such divisions are gradually disappearing. For example, we conducted a rotation of district akims, as well as leaders of the prosecutor's office, courts, GKNB, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
All akims and judges have been replaced. Currently, there is not a single akim of southern origin in the south; all are appointed from the north. Conversely, in the north, there is not a single akim from the north; all are from southern regions.
Judges have also undergone rotation. The results are already noticeable — the level of division has significantly decreased. If it is the will of the Almighty, we will reach the level of the айыл окмоту (village administration). We need to eliminate the practice where a person who becomes the head of the айыл окмоту in their village distributes resources in the interests of their relatives.
For example, often tenders are won by relatives of such heads, and irrigated lands are leased to people from their circle, and there are many such cases.
We will gradually eradicate these practices, although it will take time. Housing issues also need to be addressed.
If you are interested in what other steps can be taken to eliminate divisions, here is one of them.
Two to three years ago, we opened the "Akyilman" school, where we educate the most capable children from the north and south in a boarding school format in Cholpon-Ata.
Now similar schools are being built in every region. In 2-3 years, we will complete the construction of 7-8 "Akyilman" schools across the country.
Our students study together, without division into regions. For example, if children from all regions are currently studying in Cholpon-Ata, the same will happen in Osh — children from all corners of the republic will receive knowledge. I hope this will be the case in all regions.
After graduating from these schools, and then from higher educational institutions, our young men and women will be able to enter public service. Last year, I initiated the adoption of a law that has already come into effect.
This is done so that graduates of "Akyilman" have employment opportunities in the future, even if I leave office, and no law on employment guarantees is adopted.
Today we are investing state funds in the education of these talented children, who will take their places in public service in 5-6 years. They will become the future personnel capable of uniting Kyrgyzstan.
In February of last year, I initiated another important project. I gathered the head of the cabinet and ministers and instructed them to build student dormitories in regional centers, and from September 1, 2026, to conduct a rotation of students studying on a budget quota.
The country has provided for 10,000 budget places for applicants: 5,000 for students from the south and 5,000 for students from the north.
Students from the north will study in the south, and those from the south will study in the north. I initiated the construction of dormitories in seven regions; however, the work has been postponed to September next year due to delays.
After the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the World Nomad Games this year, we will begin construction.
Starting next September, students studying on a budget quota will begin their studies in a rotation format. This will lead to the complete resolution of the "north-south" problem.
Among the 5,000 students coming from the north to the south, families may form, leading to an exchange of culture and mentality. The same will happen with the 5,000 students from the south studying in the north.
Thus, in 20-30 years, the "north-south" problem will disappear. Without such steps, it is impossible to completely eradicate this disease.
I urge the people not to succumb to provocations. It does not matter whether the president is from the north or the south. The main thing is his honesty and effectiveness. As Deng Xiaoping said: "It doesn't matter what color the cat is, as long as it catches mice." Similarly, the president should be honest, fair, and work for everyone.
Currently, the same work is being carried out in all regions of the country. New facilities are being built, roads are being asphalted, and social buildings are being erected. Every citizen should understand that this is financed by the state, not by private individuals.
— Recently, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh continue to divide into groups. In a previous interview, you mentioned that this led to the resignation of your friend. How do you comment on this?
— I have already said that all divisions are initiated by politicians. Ordinary people become mere tools in their hands. Politicians use the people to come to power, but the people gain nothing from it. Even the table will not become wider, and a piece of bread will not appear.
In the chaos, ordinary citizens suffer and die. Tell me, have you seen in the last 30 years anyone from a politician's family suffer?
We should not exaggerate the words of politicians.
I am confident that I can eradicate the "north-south" problem. It will just take time.
Let me tell you another case. After my election as president, I visited Batken and met with local residents.
One of them told me that there is not a single minister from Batken in the government. I replied, "If I appoint a minister from Batken, will you have twice as much food tomorrow?" to which he replied, "No." I said, "Then I will be your minister and deputy. I will not divide regions; I will treat everyone equally."
I still adhere to this principle. In Batken, houses are being built under the GIK program, stadiums and schools are being constructed, and roads are being laid.
I am attracting investors to Batken to create factories and plants. Of course, there are shortcomings, and we understand that. We are not magicians to solve all problems in a year.
I inherited a state mired in problems. In some regions, assistance comes in smaller volumes, and we monitor this. We track how much funding is allocated to each region, and if we cannot resolve everything this year, we will carry it over to next year.
— Some politicians and elders are calling for reconciliation between you and Kamchybek Tashiev for the future of the country. Do you still consider him your friend?
— Yes, I maintain the same position. I prefer to resolve any contentious issues peacefully, without conflicts. We will remain friends. However, this person will not return to public office. Let him rest and take care of his health.
Let him cleanse himself of the so-called "aksakals" and "koksakals."
The investigative authorities will conduct a thorough investigation and clarify all circumstances. Of course, he may be dissatisfied now, but in years to come, he will say, "You did the right thing" and thank me.
— There are discussions in society that you have started to remove ministers close to your friend, and some are leaving voluntarily. Is this true? Are you really initiating resignations?
— I have not told anyone to leave their positions. I said: let everyone calmly perform their duties and not interfere in politics.
If someone leaves voluntarily, we do not hold them back. However, there will be an inspection for corruption in all ministries. If facts of theft are revealed, those responsible will be held accountable.
“I have always warned government members: do not hire relatives and friends. Those who think that their uncle or brother will cover for them start stealing without fear.
If theft is proven, anyone will be held accountable, regardless of their position.
Thank God, I did not allow my relatives to hold high government positions. I did not involve them in politics.
When I first started my work, I was criticized for having "two of my in-laws working in power." I removed both of them, even though they were in the system before I came. I said, "I don't want to be reproached, so temporarily step down from your positions."
— Speaking of 75 politicians or deputies, if their plans were realized, how would you envision the current situation?
— There will be no coup. First, the laws do not allow it; second, there are no conditions for it.
To govern the country, one must use intellect, not force. As the saying goes: "The strong will defeat one, but the strong with knowledge will defeat a thousand."
Those who do not know how to read laws come up with such paths. Those who tried to govern by force are now in exile. We must learn from the past. I work 20 hours a day, monitoring the situation. If something goes wrong, I immediately give instructions to ministers and akims to correct it.
“I have been working for five years to remain on the clean pages of history and not leave grounds for reproach to my descendants. There are shortcomings; this cannot be denied. But we are achieving 70-80% control.”
— There are rumors that with Kamchybek Tashiev's departure, the fight against organized crime and corruption will stop. Is this true?
— First of all, there is currently no organized crime in the country, and there will not be. Of course, crimes occur, and criminals exist everywhere. It is impossible to completely eradicate them. But such organized groups as before no longer exist.
All of them are either in prisons or hiding abroad. If criminals think they can return and establish their laws, they are mistaken.
Kyrgyzstan is now a completely different country. Compare it to what it was before 2020. After that, the authorities no longer make deals with crime. Therefore, there will be no organized crime.
The fight against corruption will continue always. There is no country in the world that can claim to have completely eradicated corruption. Even in Singapore, where the level of corruption is considered low, it still stands at 15-16%.
We should not engage in PR and claim that we have no corruption. It will never disappear completely. We are making every effort to reduce its level.
It was easier to deal with crime; order was established in one day. With corruption, we have not been able to fully cope over the past five years. Over time, we will try to lower its level.
We have enough strength and intelligence for this. I instructed the law enforcement agencies: "In the fight against crime and corruption, you have complete freedom of action; work calmly and professionally."
— One last question: have you met with your friend after his resignation?
If so, what did you talk about?
— Yes, we met. Yesterday I received him and said: "Rest, my friend, take care of your health."
According to him, he did not communicate with "aksakals" or "koksakals."
I concluded that they acted independently, according to their plan, without informing him. As they say, they did him a "disservice."
We will restore order and clarify the situation. Thank God, we have enough strength.
