2010 Kyrgyz Revolution facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2010 Kyrgyz Revolution |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
A vehicle burns near the main government building during protests in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on April 7, 2010.
|
|||
| Date | 6 April – 15 April 2010 (1 week and 2 days) |
||
| Location | |||
| Caused by |
|
||
| Methods | Protests, riots | ||
| Resulted in | Democratization of Kyrgyzstan
|
||
| Parties to the civil conflict | |||
|
|||
| Lead figures | |||
|
|||
| Number | |||
|
|||
| Casualties | |||
|
|||
The 2010 Kyrgyz Revolution was a big event in Kyrgyzstan that started in April 2010. It is also known as the Second Kyrgyz Revolution or the April Events. During this time, the president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was removed from power in the capital city of Bishkek.
After the revolution, there were more problems between different groups of people in the south of the country. This led to more violence in June 2010. In the end, Kyrgyzstan changed its government system. It became a parliamentary system, where the parliament has more power.
Many people were forced to leave their homes during the events. About 400,000 citizens became displaced within Kyrgyzstan. The new government leader, Roza Otunbayeva, said that around 2,000 people died during this time.
Contents
Why the Revolution Happened
People in Kyrgyzstan were unhappy for several reasons. They were frustrated with the government and the way the country was being run.
Problems at Home
During the winter of 2009–2010, Kyrgyzstan had many power outages. Electricity and heating prices also went up a lot. Some reports said heating costs would rise by 400% and electricity by 170%.
Many people felt that President Bakiyev's government was unfair. They thought there was a lot of favoritism and dishonesty. The country's economy was also not doing well. These problems made people very angry.
On April 3, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Kyrgyzstan. Protesters gathered to tell him about the situation.
International Relations
Some people compared the 2010 revolution to the Tulip Revolution in 2005. Both events involved people protesting against the government.
There was also discussion about the United States military base in Kyrgyzstan. This base was important for operations in Afghanistan.
Russia had supported Bakiyev's government for a while. But in March 2010, Russia started a negative media campaign against him. Russia controls much of the media in Kyrgyzstan. This campaign suggested that Bakiyev and his son were involved in dishonest business deals.
Suddenly, Russia also started charging taxes on energy exports to Kyrgyzstan. This made fuel and transport prices go up immediately. This change led to a big protest in Talas on April 6.
Some US officials said the protests were not against America. They also said Russia did not cause the protests. However, a leader in the new Kyrgyz government, Omurbek Tekebayev, said Russia helped remove Bakiyev. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was the first foreign leader to recognize the new leader, Roza Otunbayeva.
The Uprising in Bishkek
On April 6, 2010, protests began in Talas. People were protesting against government corruption and rising living costs. The protests became violent and spread across the country.
On April 7, President Bakiyev declared a state of emergency. Police arrested many opposition leaders. But protesters took control of the internal security building and a state TV channel in Bishkek. Government officials reported that many people were killed and injured in clashes with police.
President Bakiyev resigned on April 15 and left the country for Belarus.
April 6: Protests Begin
In the city of Talas, about 1,000 protesters stormed a government building. They briefly held government workers hostage. Security forces took back the building, but protesters quickly forced them out again. Two important opposition leaders were arrested.
In Bishkek, about 500 protesters gathered. They gave speeches about the events in Talas. Police tried to stop them, but protesters broke through police lines. They threw rocks and fought with police.
April 7: Capital Clashes
In the morning, a small group of protesters were arrested in Bishkek. Soon, hundreds more gathered. Police used tear gas and stun grenades. But the protesters overpowered the police. They took control of two armored vehicles and many weapons.
The protest group grew to thousands of people. They moved to Ala-Too Square in the center of town. Gunshots and stun grenades were heard. Protesters were seen running away.
Protesters filled Ala-Too Square and surrounded the White House. This is the president's office. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. Protesters drove two trucks into the gates of the White House. Reports said police then started firing live bullets at protesters. Many protesters and police were hurt. A state of emergency was declared.
Later that day, opposition leaders and protesters entered the parliament building. The main TV broadcaster, KTR, was also taken over. KTR started broadcasting again, showing opposition members. By late Wednesday, opposition leaders announced a new government. President Bakiyev reportedly left Bishkek and flew to Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Protests also happened in other parts of the country. These included Naryn, Tokmok, and the Issyk-Kul region. There were reports that opposition members took over the government in the Issyk-Kul region. Communication was difficult, as TV stations, phones, and internet were unreliable.
There were confusing reports about the Interior Minister, Moldomusa Kongantiyev. Some said he was held hostage or killed. The ministry denied his death. He was later shown to be badly beaten but alive. Opposition leaders announced a new temporary government led by Roza Otunbayeva.
April 8: New Government Forms
President Bakiyev was confirmed to be in his home in Osh. He said he had no power to control events. However, he refused to resign.
The opposition said they were in control of the police and army. People in Bishkek started forming groups to protect against looting.
The new temporary government announced it would stay in power for six months. After that, presidential elections would be held.
April 9–14: Bakiyev's Stance
A few days later, Bakiyev said from Osh that he would not resign. He asked the UN to send troops to restore order. A rally in his hometown supported him. The new Interior Minister said an arrest warrant would be issued for him.
On April 13, Bakiyev said he would resign if his safety and his family's safety were guaranteed. The temporary government said they could only guarantee his safety if he resigned and left the country. Tensions grew as the government threatened to arrest him. Bakiyev said, "Let them try to seize me. Let them try to kill me."
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Kyrgyzstan was facing a civil war. He worried it could become like a "second Afghanistan." On April 14, temporary leader Roza Otunbayeva announced that Bakiyev and his allies would face trial. An arrest warrant was issued for Bakiyev's brother and son.
April 15: Bakiyev Resigns
On April 15, gunshots were heard at a rally for Bakiyev. He safely left the scene. Some said his bodyguards fired shots to keep peace. Later that day, Bakiyev reportedly flew to Taraz, Kazakhstan. He was expected to continue talks from there.
The temporary government called his departure a "deportation." They said he had submitted a request to resign. Kazakhstan confirmed Bakiyev's departure. They said it was an important step to prevent civil war. They added that efforts by Kazakhstan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Barack Obama helped reach this agreement.
Bakiyev wrote a resignation letter. He said, "I tender my resignation in these tragic days as I understand the full scale of my responsibility for the future of the Kyrgyz people." The temporary president said he had become a source of instability. She also said she would try to bring Bakiyev to trial.
On April 20, the Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, said his country was protecting Bakiyev and three family members. On April 21, Bakiyev said from Minsk that he still considered himself president. He said he would do everything to return the country to its "constitutional field." He asked the world not to support the new government. Russia rejected his statement, saying he had already resigned.
On April 23, Bakiyev changed his mind about returning to power. But he claimed his resignation was not valid because the new government did not protect his family as promised. The temporary government extended the agreement with the US for the Manas transit center for one year.
What Happened Next
By April 18, Bakiyev's supporters took over a government office in the south. About 1,000 people gathered, supporting Bakiyev. Rallies also took place in Osh and Batken provinces.
In Bishkek, on April 19, a crowd of young men caused problems in the suburbs. They tried to take land from ethnic Russians and Meskhetian Turks. At least five people died, and many were injured. Several houses were looted and burned. Otunbayeva said the government would be tough on those breaking the law.
On April 22, it was announced that a vote on the constitution would be held on June 27, 2010. This vote would reduce the president's powers and "strengthen democracy." A general election would follow on October 10, 2010.
On May 13, 2010, Bakiyev's supporters stormed government buildings in Jalal-Abad, Batken, and Osh. On May 14, there were reports of deaths and injuries after clashes in Jalal-Abad.
On May 19, supporters of Bakiyev clashed with supporters of a local Uzbek leader in Jalal-Abad. At least two people died. Later that day, Roza Otunbayeva became the temporary president of Kyrgyzstan. On May 31, Uzbekistan moved troops to its border with Kyrgyzstan due to rising tensions.
June Violence
On June 9, violence broke out in the southern city of Osh. Ethnic Kyrgyz people attacked minority Uzbeks and burned their property. By June 12, the violence spread to Jalal-Abad. The temporary government declared a state of emergency. Uzbekistan briefly sent troops but then withdrew them. They opened their borders to Uzbek refugees. The clashes killed up to 2,000 people, mostly Uzbeks. Another 100,000 people were displaced.
New Constitution Vote
On June 27, 2010, a vote was held on a new constitution. This constitution aimed to reduce the president's powers and give more power to the parliament. The new constitution was approved.
October Election and Aftermath
After the Kyrgyzstani parliamentary election, 2010 in October, the Ata-Zhurt party won the most votes. This party wanted to change the new constitution and bring Bakiyev back.
A temporary government was set up with these leaders:
- Head of Provisional Government Roza Otunbayeva
- Deputy of Finance Temir Sariev
- Deputy of Economy Almazbek Atambayev
- Deputy of Constitutional Reform Omurbek Tekebayev
- Minister of Internal Affairs Bolotbek Sherniyazov
- Minister of Health Care Damira Niyaz-Aliyeva
- Head of National Security Service Keneshbek Duyshebayev
International Reactions
Many countries and international groups like the UN, EU, and OSCE expressed concern. They called for stability in Kyrgyzstan. The International Committee of the Red Cross was worried about the situation and asked Kyrgyz authorities to protect citizens.
Countries and Organizations Respond
United Nations- The UN Secretary-General's spokesman said Bakiyev's departure was "an important step toward the peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic development of the country."
Belarus- President Alexander Lukashenko said Belarus would give Bakiyev and his family protection.
Japan- Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they hoped the agreement would help normalize the situation. They respected the efforts of countries like the US, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and organizations like OSCE.
Kazakhstan- After Bakiyev flew to Kazakhstan, he was to meet President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan confirmed Bakiyev's departure. They said it was an important step to prevent civil war. This step was a result of joint efforts with Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama.
Russia- President Medvedev said Bakiyev's government failed due to corruption and social problems. Prime Minister Putin promised the new government $50 million in aid and fuel.
Turkey- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged Kyrgyzstan to stop the violence. Turkey fully supported Kyrgyzstan's temporary government.
See also
- Day of the People's April Revolution
