European Forum

Fifth anniversary of the Kyrgyz Tulip Revolution marked by protests and growing discontent

Five years after street protests in Kyrgyzstan led to the resignation of long-time leader Askar Akaev, citizens and politicians alike are now unhappy with the outcome of the Tulip Revolution, saying it merely replaced one corrupt strongman with another. Last week, several thousand opposition supporters rallied in Bishkek and some other towns in Kyrgyzstan, airing wide-ranging grievances varying from high energy prices to a government clampdown on independent media.


The Tulip Revolution of March 2005
Widespread discontent over parliamentary elections in February 2005 prompted the mostly haphazard demonstrations that erupted in Kyrgyzstan. Protesters accused President Askar Akaev and his family of heading a corrupt and nepotistic government that did not represent the people. The so called ‘Tulip Revolution’ that unfolded was supposed to change all that. Sweeping political changes took place, starting with the withdrawal of Akaev. The new President, Kurmanbek Bakiev, promised swift reforms. Nevertheless, the Tulip Revolution did not bring the changes that many Kyrgyz people hoped for. Many Kyrgyz look back on the Tulip Revolution as an event that replaced one corrupt leader with another. The driving force behind the 2005 revolution -- public anger with a presidential family that many believed had gained enormous wealth at their expense -- is today often affiliated with Bakiev's rule.

More of the same 
Shortly after taking power, Bakiev began to promote family members to senior positions. His brother, Janysh Bakiev, was put in charge of the State Protection Service, a department that only recently expanded its size and budget, according to reports. The President's opponents accuse Janysh Bakiev of manipulating law enforcement agencies against the opposition. Unbowed by criticism over the appointment of his brother, President Bakiev went a step further in November 2009. He then appointed his son, Maksim, to head the state development, innovation, and investment agency, a post that oversees foreign and domestic investments.

The past five years under Bakiev have been marred by economic hardship, pressure on independent media and repression of the opposition. Two Presidential elections -- Bakiev's initial victory in 2005 and his re-election in 2009 -- were marred by allegations of voter fraud. In 2007, a new electoral system was introduced as well as constitutional reforms, after which early Parliamentary elections were held. In these elections Bakiev's newly formed Ak-Jol party received 71 of the 90 seats in the expanded legislature.

Protests continues
On 23 March, opposition activists clashed with the police in Bishkek.and dozens of activists were detained in a sign of mounting opposition to President Bakiyev's rule. Up to 30 activists were arrested as they tried to break through heavy police lines at a pro-Bakiyev conference in central Bishkek. In the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, 200 protesters clashed with police as they rallied in support of Ismail Isakov, a jailed opposition politician. Moreover, the opposition has threatened more protests if Bakiyev fails to accede to their demands, including releasing what they describe as political prisoners, removing Bakiyev's relatives from government posts and abolishing high utility fees. "There has been a wave of repression against those who are angry with the way things are, who are ready to stand up for their rights," opposition leader, Omurbek Tekebayev, said at a police station where he and his colleagues were being questioned. "We will start an active phase of action in various parts of Kyrgyzstan. We do not mean storming palaces, but we will hold various events to put pressure on the authorities", he furthermore added.


Sources: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Reuters.