A Russian-led alliance has sent troops it calls “peacekeepers” to Kazakhstan – after the president asked for help to quell mass protests across the country.
They began on January 1, after the government announced a sharp increase in fuel prices. Indignation and violence followed.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 items- list 1 of 3Kazakhstan asks Russian-led alliance for help quelling protests
- list 2 of 3What is behind the protests rocking Kazakhstan?
- list 3 of 3Kazakhstan’s president vows ‘robust’ response to protests
In an effort to calm the unrest, the government resigned.
The president then declared a two-week nationwide state of emergency and a shut down of the internet.
But the protests escalated into calls for a change in leadership.
So what’s next for this former Soviet republic?
Presenter: Kim Vinell
Guests:
Asya Tulesova – Political activist
Bruce Pannier – Veteran journalist and correspondent at Radio Free Europe specialising in Central Asia
Viktor Olevich – Lead expert at Center for Actual Politics