Kyrgyzstan: Reports of gunfire during protests in Bishkek October 9 /update 5

Event

Gunshots have been reported as rival political protesters clashed in Bishkek on Friday, October 9. The Social Democrats party had organized a rally at the Forum building in the capital to call for stability and law and order amidst the ongoing political turmoil. Former president Almazbek Atambayev was among those who attended the rally. Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of new Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov gathered in front of the government building near Al-Too Square. Atambayev and his supporters reportedly then marched to the main square, where clashes broke out between rival factions. Unconfirmed reports indicate that shots were fired at the vehicle of Atambeyev as he left the square and one of his bodyguards has been injured. Further injuries are feared amidst the clashes.

Earlier in the day, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov declared a state of emergency in the capital in a bid to restore control over the situation.

Further clashes are possible in the coming hours and the widespread unrest looks set to continue over the near term, with little sign of resolution.

Context

Multiple opposition groups have publicly contested the results of the country's parliamentary election on Sunday, October 4, with only four of 16 registered parties having passed the seven percent vote-share threshold in order to gain seats in the legislature. Three of the four parties that were elected to the new parliament had close ties to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and opposition groups have accused the government of vote-buying and intimidation during the election campaign, allegations which international monitors have stated are credible. Hundreds have reportedly been injured and at least one protester has died during mass protests following the election results, which included the seizure of a number of government buildings by various opposition factions.

On Tuesday, October 6, the results of the poll were subsequently annulled by the election commission and Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov resigned, but this has failed to placate opposition groups. Opposition groups have so far remained largely divided and are unable to agree on who would lead any provisional government.

Advice

Those in Kyrgyzstan are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or via social media, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.