Rajabali Rahmonali has been appointed as the new head of the Emergencies Committee in Tajikistan, replacing Rustam Nazarzoda. He has a military background and significant experience in border security, particularly concerning issues with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Concerns arise about media access under his leadership due to his previous avoidance of press interactions.
Rajabali Rahmonali has been appointed the head of the Emergencies Committee in Tajikistan through a presidential decree issued on January 21. He replaces Rustam Nazarzoda, who retired due to age considerations. Previously, Rahmonali served as the First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) and as the Commander of Border Troops.
At 57 years old, Rahmonali comes from Danghara District in the Khatlon region and possesses military education from the Higher Military-Political Construction School in Tallinn, Estonia. In 1992, he joined the National Army and held various positions within the Ministry of Defense before becoming the Commander of the National Guard in 2004.
Rahmonali’s leadership in the Border Troops was marked by significant challenges, particularly with border conflicts in both Tajikistan’s northeast and south areas. He faced illegal crossings and militant threats from Afghanistan, particularly after the Taliban’s resurgence, arguing that securing the border should involve cooperation among Central Asian states.
In the northeast, he dealt with rising tensions with Kyrgyzstan, participating as a negotiator in multiple armed clashes in 2021 and 2022. Notably, he has historically sidestepped detailed media engagement, which raises concerns regarding future media access as head of the Emergencies Committee, an entity that has typically maintained cordial relations with the press.
His leadership capabilities acquired from managing complex border issues are expected to be integral in his new role. However, the transition will also test his ability to foster transparency while adhering to his previous preference of limited media interaction, following the more communicative approach of his predecessor, Nazarzoda.
Rajabali Rahmonali’s recent appointment as head of the Emergencies Committee marks a significant transition in Tajikistan’s management of emergency situations. His previous experience in security positions, especially in border management amid regional tensions, is crucial. However, his history of limited media engagement raises questions about the future of transparency in the committee’s operations, contrasting with the open communication approach of Rustam Nazarzoda.
Original Source: www.asiaplustj.info
