Kazakhstan: Civil unrest reportedly forces closure of Almaty (ALA) and Aktau (SCO) airports Jan. 5 /update 4

Event

Almaty International Airport (ALA) and Aktau International Airport (SCO) have reportedly been forced to suspend operations as of Jan. 5 due to ongoing nationwide unrest; ALA reportedly closed after around 45 protesters entered the facility. Additional airports could be affected by the protests in the coming days. The unrest began Jan. 2 over fuel price hikes but has since escalated into a series of anti-government protests focused on a broader range of issues. President Toqayev has declared a state of emergency in Nur-Sultan and the Almaty and Mangystau regions Jan. 5-19; a 23:00-07:00 nightly curfew is in effect and movement restrictions within, into, and out of affected cities are in place.

Significant protests are confirmed to have occurred in Almaty, Aktau, Zhanaozen, Kostanay, Atyrau, Shymkent, Taraz, Aktobe, and Oral. Protests are typically focused around government facilities, such as local Akimats (i.e., regional government buildings), and in central squares; reports suggest protesters have also been targeting media organization headquarters. Riot police have used tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets during clashes with protesters. Significant protests have not yet been reported in Nur-Sultan. US officials have postponed services and appointments at the Embassy in Nur-Sultan and the Consulate in Almaty and will close the Consulate in Almaty to visitors Jan. 6.

As of Jan. 5, the most significant protests are taking place in Almaty city, where thousands of activists have been protesting since Jan. 4, particularly around Republic Square. Protesters in Almaty broke through security cordons into the regional government building and the nearby Presidential Residence; fires have reportedly caused significant damage to the facilities. Protests and clashes are also occurring in other areas of the city. Unconfirmed reports suggest that protesters have seized firearms and riot-control vehicles from security forces and have used them against police, wounding several.

Large security force deployments are likely in all affected locations. Police will act forcefully to disperse any gatherings that materialize; security services have carried out mass detentions in Oral and could do so in additional cities. A nationwide internet blackout is ongoing after days of sporadic disruptions to mobile networks and specific services including Telegram, Signal, and Whatsapp. Additional protests, clashes, and transport and telecommunications disruptions are highly likely in major cities in the coming days.

Context

The initial cause of the unrest was the recent lifting of price caps on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), which caused a doubling of LPG prices. Thousands of people denounced the price hikes in Zhanaozen Jan. 2, with related protests then spreading to other parts of the country. The purpose of the protests has broadened beyond the denunciation of fuel prices in many areas to include other issues, including government corruption, low wages, and unemployment.

The government announced late Jan. 4 that it would restore the price ceiling in Mangystau Region, and President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev accepted the resignation of the country's government in a presidential decree Jan. 5. The president has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov as interim prime minister, while the rest of the former administration will remain in office until the formation of a new government. President Toqayev also confirmed he will be replacing previous President Nursultan Nazarbayev as head of the Kazakhstan Security Council.

These concessions have so far not appeased activists, and protests are likely to continue in several cities in the coming days. Authorities will deploy large numbers of security forces to all affected locations to suppress protest activity; the use of significant force against protesters could further inflame activists. However, the lack of a political movement leading the protests means it is unclear whether the unrest will be sustained beyond the coming days.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to affected areas until the situation has stabilized. Confirm flight status if scheduled to travel via Kazakhstani airports; do not check out of accommodations unless onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations and likely protest sites in Almaty and other protest-affected cities. Prepare for movement and telecommunications disruptions and heightened security measures in areas subject to the state of emergency and related restrictions. Exercise caution and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.