By Keira Jenkins
In Kazakhstan, the prices for gas rose considerably on January 2nd, 2022. The Kazach people started protesting this across the country which led to city hall in Almaty being set on fire. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a “fire without warning” rule for all policemen in an attempt to stop the protesters. The President has three more years left in his reign, and has started the worst riot since Kazakhstan seceded from Russia in 1991. This was a moment of vulnerability, so social activists and anti-government citizens seized the moment and made a statement. Riots erupted at the airport and many government vehicles were set on fire, wreaking havoc on the country. However, these protests came from deep rooted issues and weak spots in the government. Currently, there is a lack of democracy, anger in social and economic issues, and frustration with the pandemic.
What do protestors want?
Protesters demand the gas prices be lowered, considering the average income per month is around $500. The protesters’ goal is to have a “broader political liberalization.” Additionally, they want the voting system to have regional leaders. A lot of this anger is stemming from the unstable government, which is expected since the country is still developing. After nearly 30 years of Kazakhstan being a free reigning country, President Putin still considers Kazakhstan a part of his circle of power. So, many experts agree this riot had to happen so that government officials could make the country safer, and overall better for all citizens.
How does this affect us?
Kazakhstan transports oil to America and is a significant poser for energy concerns. Many major companies are deeply embedded in the Kazakh oil exchange, but America will most likely not get involved, even though companies are pushing to get involved for the sake of oil. The best thing that the US could do is stay hands-off until the situation resolves.
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