Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, has initiated large-scale reforms in the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). He noted that the GKNB has successfully handled its assigned tasks, but "the world is changing, and our state structure must evolve." Currently, the agency is facing new challenges that require modernization and adaptation.
On February 10, the president signed a decree to establish the State Protection Service based on the 9th service of the GKNB, which will report directly to him and be responsible for the protection of facilities and individuals. On the same day, it was decided to remove the Border Service from the GKNB.
We spoke with the new head of the agency, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, about the upcoming changes in the GKNB and plans for the future.
- Major General, congratulations on your appointment and your approval by the Jogorku Kenesh. As Deputy Irysbek Atazhanov noted, there is no time to delay discussions, as you have many tasks ahead. What changes are expected as part of the reform?
- Thank you. Yes, as you rightly pointed out, structural and organizational reforms are currently underway in the national security agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic. These changes are aimed at creating a mobile, professional, and transparent structure that will effectively ensure national security, taking into account changes in the international situation.
The reforms are being implemented in stages, in compliance with legislation and considering the priorities of state policy in the field of security. In particular, the structural transformation has been completed, resulting in the state protection and the Border Service being separated from the GKNB. As for the organizational reforms, they include optimizing staffing levels, redistributing functional responsibilities, enhancing analytical work, and strengthening human resources. It is also important to focus on discipline, personal responsibility, and the moral and spiritual preparedness of employees, as well as the introduction of modern management approaches.
Within the framework of these transformations, the GKNB will emphasize traditional methods of operational and analytical work.
It is also necessary to depoliticize the GKNB, freeing it from the influence of political parties and ideologies. The State Committee should not serve as a political tool.
Another key step will be the professionalization of the structure, where more importance will be given to professional qualities than to political loyalty when appointing to leadership positions.
In the future, the GKNB will strive to eradicate any manifestations of tribalism and regionalism, and appointments and decisions will be based solely on professional qualities. Otherwise, especially in law enforcement agencies, this can lead to corruption and other negative consequences. We are trying to shift from geographical logic to a logic of competencies, which will be a step towards a more mature political model.
A quality reform of the GKNB implies a transition to legal methods of governance and security provision, moving away from outdated military approaches. We must move away from intimidation and create a modern national service that corresponds to current realities.
As President Japarov noted, much has been done in the country over the past five years to combat corruption; however, this policy often depended on the personal qualities of the leadership. The reform of the GKNB includes a transition from demonstrative anti-corruption efforts to a more systematic approach with clear rules and inevitability of punishment, which will yield more sustainable results.
- What else falls under the responsibilities of the special services? Kyrgyz citizens have the impression that the GKNB controls all spheres of public and political life.
- The GKNB is engaged in identifying and preventing the intelligence activities of foreign special services, combating terrorism, extremism, and corruption, as well as ensuring information security and protecting the constitutional order. We inform the president and other authorities about potential threats to national security.
The term "curator" is often misunderstood. In fact, this is an employee who ensures the interests of national security within their authority and prevents intelligence activities.
The national security agencies operate in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic, including the Laws on National Security and Operational-Search Activities, as well as presidential decrees.
Thus, the GKNB functions strictly within the framework of the law.
- Will you no longer interfere in the activities of tax and audit authorities and pressure entrepreneurs, as some of your predecessors did?
- I will do everything possible to ensure that the activities of the GKNB are based on the principles of legality and transparency. All units have been given strict instructions not to interfere in business. We must ensure economic security and interact with the business community based on trust and legality.
- The president has tasked you with combating crime and corruption without "mask shows." Why are arrests of suspects currently taking place without wide publicity?
- I am not a supporter of "mask shows." The activities of the special services imply confidentiality. Individual former employees of the GKNB, suspected of exceeding their authority, are subject to investigation, which is being conducted jointly with the Military Prosecutor's Office. All actions comply with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main task is to combat corruption and crime, and this will continue at a high level.
Regarding businessmen in pre-trial detention, there have been no mass arrests. The objectivity of the investigation is important; acceleration should not compromise its completeness.
- Deputy Dastan Bekeshov raised the issue of blocking "TikTok." What is your stance on this?
- In modern conditions, it is important to counter information-psychological operations and cybercrime. The "TikTok" platform raises concerns as it promotes information that contradicts traditional values. The blockage was initiated due to complaints from citizens and non-governmental organizations.
The future of our children is more important than any social network. The GKNB conducts analysis and monitoring of online content to prevent the spread of dangerous information.
- Can we hope for a cleansing of personnel in the GKNB?
- I will do everything possible to dismiss violators. Their actions will be evaluated, and the public will be informed. There will be no untouchables in government agencies, and all guilty parties will be held accountable.
The State Committee will continue to fight corruption and organized crime through legal methods, without "mask shows."
Overall, the reform of the GKNB is aimed at adapting to modern challenges, strengthening intelligence work, combating terrorism and extremism, as well as improving internal structure and enhancing the prestige of the agency. We will create a structure capable of competing with international intelligence services.
