Rajabali Rahmonali has been appointed head of Tajikistan’s Emergencies Committee, replacing retired Rustam Nazarzoda. With a background in military leadership, particularly in border security, Rahmonali faces expectations regarding media access and transparency in his new role.
On January 21, President of Tajikistan appointed Rajabali Rahmonali as the head of the Emergencies Committee, succeeding Rustam Nazarzoda, who retired due to age. Previously, Rahmonali served as First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security and Commander of Border Troops, bringing substantial military experience to his new role.
Rajabali Rahmonali, aged 57 and originally from Danghara district in Khatlon province, received military education in Estonia. He joined Tajikistan’s National Army in 1992 and spent a considerable period in the Ministry of Defense. In 2004, he became Commander of the National Guard before taking on his last positions in 2013.
During his tenure as Commander of the Border Troops, Rahmonali dealt with numerous border conflicts, especially with militants from Afghanistan and disputes with Kyrgyzstan. He has been vocal about the need for support from other Central Asian nations to enhance border security. His negotiation skills were evident in managing tensions with Kyrgyzstan during incidents in 2021 and 2022, though he maintained discretion regarding the details of negotiations with the media.
As Rahmonali assumes leadership of the Emergencies Committee, there are concerns regarding media access, as he has historically avoided engaging with journalists. His predecessor was known for fostering open communication, raising doubts about whether Rahmonali will maintain this legacy of transparency while navigating his aversion to media interactions. The effectiveness of his leadership in managing emergencies and communication will be closely monitored moving forward.
In summary, Rajabali Rahmonali’s appointment as head of the Emergencies Committee comes with a rich military background and experience in high-stakes negotiations. His previous roles have equipped him with essential leadership skills, yet his history of limited media engagement raises concerns about information accessibility for journalists. As he steps into this new role, the balance between operational efficiency and transparency will be pivotal for his success.
Original Source: www.asiaplustj.info