Kazakh president insists worst is over

Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told parliament today that the situation in the country has stabilised.

"In general, the acute phase of the counter-terrorist operation has passed," Tokayev said. But he also ordered completion of the operation and restoration of law and order, suggesting that things are not yet fully under control.

Tokayev told parliament that peacekeeping forces from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), an alliance of six former Soviet states, have successfully completed their mission. "In two days, the withdrawal of the CSTO peacekeeping contingent will begin in stages — the withdrawal process will take no more than 10 days," he said.

Meanwhile, acting prime minister Alihan Smaiylov has been appointed to the post on a permanent basis. Smaiylov replaced Askar Mamin, who resigned along with his government in early January following the massive protests against LPG price increases that were the starting point for the wider unrest that engulfed Kazakhstan last week.

From September 2018 to February 2019, Smaiylov was Kazakhstan's finance minister, and was later appointed concurrently as first deputy prime minister. In 2015-18, he worked as an assistant to the president, having previously served in a number of different government roles.

Smaiylov will shortly have to submit candidates for ministerial posts to the president. Until a new government is formed, all ministers from the previous government, including energy minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev, remain in their posts.

Economic damage as a result of the recent unrest is estimated at $2bn-3bn, according to the president's official website. About 1,300 businesses were damaged, more than 100 shopping centres and banks were attacked, and about 500 police cars were destroyed.