Rajabali Rahmonali Appointed Head of Tajikistan’s Emergencies Committee
Rajabali Rahmonali has been appointed head of Tajikistan’s Emergencies Committee, succeeding Rustam Nazarzoda. A military veteran with extensive experience, Rahmonali has been instrumental in managing border security. His past reluctance to engage with media raises concerns about future press access under his leadership, contrasting with his predecessor’s open communication style.
Rajabali Rahmonali has been appointed as the head of the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan, as decreed by the president on January 21. He succeeds Rustam Nazarzoda, who retired due to age. Previously, Rahmonali served as First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) and as Commander of Border Troops.
At 57 years of age, Rahmonali is from Danghara district in Khatlon province and holds a military education from the Higher Military-Political Construction School in Estonia. He joined Tajikistan’s National Army in 1992 and has had a lengthy career in the Ministry of Defense. In 2004, he became the Commander of the National Guard, later transitioning to the SCNS in 2013.
During his tenure as Commander of the Border Troops, Rahmonali faced significant challenges due to frequent border conflicts, especially regarding illegal activities stemming from Afghanistan. He has openly criticized the Taliban’s influence and the presence of terrorist groups near the Tajik-Afghan border, advocating for greater regional cooperation among Central Asian countries.
Tensions with Kyrgyzstan marked Rahmonali’s leadership as armed clashes occurred in 2021 and 2022. As an active negotiator, he engaged in discussions on border disputes, though he has refrained from sharing specifics with the media. His cautious approach to communication has raised concerns regarding press access under his new role.
With a history of limited media interaction, Rahmonali’s leadership may challenge the established rapport between the Emergencies Committee and journalists. His predecessor promoted transparency and efficient emergency management, creating high expectations for how Rahmonali will navigate this new responsibility while maintaining his usual discretion in media matters.
Rajabali Rahmonali’s appointment as head of the Emergencies Committee marks a significant transition in Tajikistan’s leadership structure. His extensive military background, particularly in managing border conflicts, positions him uniquely for this role, yet raises concerns about press accessibility. Observers will be keen to see how he balances his tendencies for privacy with the need for transparency, a cornerstone established by his predecessor. Hence, Rahmonali’s ability to adapt to this multifaceted environment will be crucial for his success in this new position.
Original Source: www.asiaplustj.info
