Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have signed an agreement to settle a long-standing border dispute that led to deadly ethnic clashes. Over 970 km of borders have been demarcated, pending presidential approval. Previous skirmishes resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the sensitivity of this political issue, which stems from Soviet-era border definitions and ethnic composition.
BISHKEK – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached an agreement to resolve a long-standing border dispute that has led to violent clashes resulting in significant loss of life. High-ranking security officials from both nations signed a new border agreement outlining over 970 km (600 miles) of borders. This agreement will subsequently need approval from the presidents of both countries.
Recent clashes at the border regions resulted in over 100 casualties in September 2022, leading to the evacuation of approximately 140,000 residents. Prior skirmishes in April 2021 also caused around 20 deaths and more than 200 injuries. Temur Umarov, a Central Asian expert, noted that this boundary demarcation follows prior bloody conflicts, which complicates the situation further.
The resolution of border disputes persists as a sensitive political issue in Central Asia. The potential publication of the agreement may provoke public interest and opposition from various groups within both countries. Historically, border delineations established during the Soviet era did not account for the diverse ethnic makeup in certain regions, often placing some communities on the incorrect side of borders.
Both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan maintain close relations with Moscow and host Russian military bases. Despite their strategic ties, they are among the least affluent nations in their region, plagued by political instability. Tajikistan, which has a population of around 10 million, has a history marked by civil conflict in the 1990s that resulted in substantial casualties.
The border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan aims to resolve lengthy disputes but faces challenges due to historical ethnic tensions and the potential for public backlash against newly drawn borders. As both countries work towards peace and stability, their ties with Russia and the socio-economic context affect their path forward.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
