IWPR's Frontline Updates – unique insights from our network of local reporters and updates from our programmes.
Welcome to this year’s first Frontline Update, with a spotlight on Kazakstan.
By Anthony Borden
IWPR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IWPR has been working in Kazakstan since the late 1990s and continues to train new generations of journalists and analysts across Central Asia. Our long-term commitment and investment in local voices and civil society allows us to bring first-hand reporting on the worst unrest to hit Kazakstan for decades, despite ever-tighter restrictions on media and free expression.
We look forward to bringing you more local voices driving change in 2022.
Kazakstan in Crisis
Country sees a clampdown on independent media and civil society as CSTO troops arrive and a weakened president scrambles to entrench his grip on power.
By Abakhon Sultonnazarov
IWPR CENTRAL ASIA PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
![Protesters stormed the mayor's office in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty on Wednesday as unprecedented unrest in the Central Asian nation spun out of control.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/story/GettyImages-1237544474.jpg?h=e5565190)
![Servicemen and their military vehicles block a street in central Almaty on January 7, 2022, after violence that erupted following protests over hikes in fuel prices.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/components/GettyImages-1237583296.jpg?h=41f55a5b)
![Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on January 7 rejected calls for talks with protesters after days of unprecedented unrest, vowing to destroy "armed bandits" and authorising his forces to shoot to kill without warning.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/story/kazakstan-pres-Tokayev-CSTO-Session-rep-kaz.jpg?h=a2c3afd0)
![Kazakhstan on January 5, 2022 declared a nationwide state of emergency after protests over a fuel price hike erupted into clashes and saw demonstrators storm government buildings.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/story/GettyImages-1237550803.jpg?h=4dec52c8)
![A view of burnt-out Almaty City Administration building in central Almaty, following violent protests.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/components/GettyImages-1237640294.jpg?h=41f55a5b)
![Collective Security Treaty Organisation's (CSTO) Russian soldiers in Almaty.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/story/GettyImages-1237692957.jpg?h=cfceb400)
![Police officers block a street in central Almaty on January 7, 2022, after violence that erupted following protests over hikes in fuel prices.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/components/GettyImages-1237581959.jpg?h=41f55a5b)
“Kazakstan’s instability has led to massive censorship and limits on freedom of speech.”
![Kazak president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/grid_large_932_/public/images/story/kazakstan-Kassym-Jomart-Tokayev-Akorda.kz_.jpg)
Kazakstan: Tokayev’s Ascent to True Power
The career diplomat’s slow, hierarchical advancement has finally lead to real authority.
What Next for Kazakstan?
Leadership promises economic reforms – but does not stint on criticism of elite.
![President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev giving a speech in the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/grid_large_932_/public/images/story/kazakstan-pres-Tokayev-parliament-Akorda.kz__0.jpg)
![January 5, 2022 Kazak government declared a nationwide state of emergency after protests over a fuel price hike erupted into clashes and saw demonstrators storm government buildings.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/grid_large_932_/public/images/story/GettyImages-1237550803.jpg)
Kazak Human Rights Activists Fear Crackdown
Experts predict further prosecutions and tightened censorship in the wake of unrest.
"Many innocent people could suffer.”
Anger Over Kyrgyz Detained in Kazakstan
Arrests seen as a way for Kazak authorities to justify their claim that the clashes were sparked by external forces.
![Vikram Ruzakhunov, a well-known jazz pianist on his return to Kyrgyzstan.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/grid_large_932_/public/images/story/kazakstan-Vikram-Ruzakhunov-Ala-Too-24.jpg)
![Collective Security Treaty Organisation's (CSTO) Russian soldiers in Almaty.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/focus_main_image_932_x_580_/public/images/story/GettyImages-1237692957.jpg?h=cfceb400)
Political Unrest Sweeps Kazakstan
“Peacekeeping” forces from Russian-led military alliance arrive to help quell protests sparked by local anger at energy price rises.