Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov officially ratified a pivotal border agreement on 13 March in Bishkek, marking a significant milestone in the relations between the two nations.
As news of the agreement spread, thousands gathered at the border, eager to cross it for the first time since it was closed in 2021 due to escalating tensions. The agreement has paved the way for families to reunite after prolonged separation, bringing a sense of relief and hope for better relations.
“The border treaty will create a solid foundation for further comprehensive expansion of our interstate relations and open a new page in Tajik-Kyrgyz relations,” said Rahmon.
President Japarov echoed this sentiment, stating, “The signing of the border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will become a landmark historical event.” He emphasized that this agreement would significantly contribute to the security, stability, and sustainable development of both nations and the wider Central Asian region.
A history of conflict
The contentious 1,000-kilometre border has been a source of conflict for many years, culminating in its closure in 2021 following violent clashes that resulted in casualties on both sides. Negotiations to resolve the border disputes have spanned over 23 years, often complicated by disagreements over the division of pasture and water resources.
Local tensions had frequently escalated into skirmishes, with incidents of stone-throwing and blockades becoming commonplace until the situation deteriorated dramatically in 2021. That year, a dispute regarding a water intake station sparked a severe conflict, leading to 55 deaths and approximately 300 injuries among both nations’ populations. The aftermath saw both countries halt border crossings and air travel.
The cycle of violence resurfaced in September 2022, resulting in the most significant confrontation yet, where both nations accused each other of initiating attacks. Kyrgyzstan recorded 59 fatalities and 198 injuries, while Tajikistan reported 41 deaths and 100 injuries. The violence prompted the evacuation of 136,000 individuals from Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the dire humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Negotiations and resolutions
The violent clashes acted as a catalyst for renewed negotiations, although complexities remained as both sides sought to uphold maps that favored their claims. Tajikistan aimed to reference historical maps from 1924-1927, while Kyrgyzstan preferred more contemporary delineations established during the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The situation was further complicated by the presence of two Tajik enclaves—Vorukh and Kayragach—within Kyrgyz territory. The new agreement included territorial exchanges, with Kyrgyzstan receiving some land in return for ceding other portions. Kamchybek Tashiev, head of Kyrgyzstan’s national security committee and chief negotiator, remarked that both nations made necessary compromises, asserting that “the border issue should never be resolved in favor of only one side.” Ultimately, the negotiations resulted in the exchange of approximately 25 square kilometers of land and the establishment of neutral zones for mutual use.
In addition to the border agreement, Rahmon and Japarov signed 15 cooperation agreements addressing vital areas such as infrastructure access and shared water resources. Following the signing, air travel was resumed the very next day, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations.
This landmark agreement is anticipated to foster stability and security in Central Asia, while enhancing trade and establishing vital transit routes.