Kazakhstan: Heightened security measures remain in effect nationwide as of Jan. 11 following recent violent unrest /update 9

Event

Kazakhstan is maintaining heightened security measures nationwide as of Jan. 11 in the wake of widespread violent protests that took place in multiple urban centers. A nationwide state of emergency remains in force until Jan. 19. Although large demonstrations and violent clashes have relented, tight security will likely persist for the duration of the state of emergency. Authorities state the security operation to stabilize the country continues.

Given the tight security, the potential for further large protests and associated violence is low. Nonetheless, disruptions prompted by security measures remain likely near government facilities, such as local Akimats (regional government buildings), train stations, airports, and prominent city squares. Security checkpoints have been erected on major roads in urban centers nationwide, strictly controlling entry and exit, including in Almaty and Atyrau. A 'Critical Red' level of terrorist threat remains in effect nationwide, allowing security forces to conduct searches of vehicles, persons, and residential premises and temporarily restrict the movement of vehicles.

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has announced that the contingent of approximately 2,500 foreign troops from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will begin departing the country from Jan. 13; their withdrawal is scheduled to take place over ten days.

Movement and Transportation
Freedom of movement is restricted, and there is an official ban on mass gatherings. A nightly 23:00-07:00 curfew remains in effect in most parts of the country; however, curfew hours may differ in some municipalities depending on the local situation. Such measures will probably remain in force for the duration of the state of emergency.

Almaty International Airport (ALA) remains indefinitely closed as of Jan. 11. Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) and Atyrau Airport (GUW) are operating normally, though some domestic and international flights have been canceled. Long-distance rail services are operating normally nationwide. Authorities have implemented additional long-distance train services between Almaty and Nur-Sultan as of Jan 11. Public transport in Almaty is set to resume full service from Jan. 12. Several airlines, including Aeroflot (SU), Turkish Airlines (TK), and Lufthansa (LH), have suspended all flights to Kazahstan due to the unstable security situation. Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Kazakhstan on Jan. 13. Aeroflot (SU) has closed ticket sales to destinations within the country through at least Jan. 20.

The Kazakhstani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has refuted media reports claiming that the government has temporarily prohibited all foreign nationals from entering the country; MFA officials assert that no such ban is in place. Ground border crossings with Russia and Kyrgyzstan are also reportedly open and operating normally. Nevertheless, closures and other restrictions on international entry cannot be ruled out in the short term if the security environment in the country changes.

Telecommunications and Banking
Disruptions to internet services and media broadcasts continue to occur intermittently, likely as part of the government's effort to control the flow of information and prevent activists from organizing. Outages could occur with little-to-no warning until authorities deem the situation to have sufficiently stabilized.

Banking services have resumed as of Jan. 11; however, numerous ATMs have reportedly run out of cash.

Context

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that 164 people have been killed in unrest-related clashes and over 9,900 people have been arrested. The worst violence was reported in Almaty, where 103 fatalities were reported. Demonstrations began in Zhanaozen Jan. 2 in reaction to a major hike in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices. The wave of unrest escalated through Jan. 6, with protests and associated clashes occurring in Aktau, Aktobe, Almaty, Atyrau, Kostanay, Nur-Sultan, Oral, Shymkent, Taraz, Taldykorgan, and Zhanaozen. Security personnel were quick to use force, including live ammunition and tear gas, to disperse crowds. The widespread, largely spontaneous wave of unrest has subsided sharply following the deployment of security forces in urban centers nationwide.

President Toqayev continues to make concessions in an effort to head off future demonstrations. He has ousted former President Nursultan Nazarbayev from his position as head of the country's National Security Committee and arrested key Nazarbayev appointees in the security sector. Toqayev has also accepted the cabinet's resignation led by former Prime Minister Askar Mamin and directed the new acting cabinet to reinstitute price caps on LPG and a moratorium on government pay.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to the country until the situation has stabilized. Exercise caution if operating in Kazakhstan and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Prepare for movement restrictions, telecommunications disruptions, and other heightened security measures until at least Jan. 19. Avoid all demonstrations and likely protest sites in Almaty and other protest-affected cities. Confirm flight status if scheduled to travel via Kazakh airports; do not check out of accommodations unless onward travel is confirmed. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.