Japarov says he planned to back ousted intel chief Tashiyev in 2027 Kyrgyz presidential race
President Sadyr Japarov has revealed he previously considered stepping down after his current term and backing his longtime political ally, Kamchybek Tashiyev, in the 2027 presidential election.
The Kyrgyz leader detailed the abandoned succession plan during an interview with journalist Ali Toktakunov released on August 13. Japarov explained that he had intended to complete his six-year mandate and retire, paving the way for Tashiyev, the former chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB).
«I thought that after the end of my six-year presidential term in 2027, if Kamchy was ready, then I would not go for a second presidential election,» Japarov said. «Kamchy would become president, and I would retire.»
The president noted he had informed Tashiyev of this plan a year in advance, advising him to prepare for the presidency by carefully managing his inner circle.
A shift in political strategy
Japarov ultimately reversed his decision, concluding that Tashiyev was not prepared for the nation’s highest office.
The president cited the conduct of Tashiyev’s staff and associates as a primary reason for the change of heart. He pointed to the emergence of the «Letter of 75» and growing factions within the parliament, which was becoming divided between supporters of the president and those of the powerful security chief.
«Then I look — he is not ready. His employees behave inappropriately, people from his entourage soared to the skies,» Japarov explained. He recounted summoning his ally to address the growing political rift. «I told him: ‘This won’t do. You cannot split people… Therefore, don’t be offended, I am removing you from your position.'»
Tashiyev was subsequently dismissed from his powerful GKNB post in February 2026. The move triggered a major restructuring of Kyrgyzstan’s security apparatus as Japarov moved to consolidate authority.
Despite the political rupture, Japarov maintained that his personal relationship with Tashiyev remains intact. The two have been friends since 2005.
While the president acknowledged Tashiyev’s significant contributions to the country during his five-year tenure at the GKNB, he firmly ruled out a return to government service for his former security chief.
«He will remain my friend, but I have no plans to appoint him to any position,» Japarov stated. «He needs to rest, maybe analyse, understand where he made a mistake.»
The president added that if Tashiyev decides to mount his own presidential campaign in 2027, he will be afforded the same conditions as any other candidate.
