Regarding the Sanctions Imposed by the Russian Federation Against His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the Staff of the Aga Khan Foundation
The Movement for Reform and Development in Tajikistan expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the sanctions imposed by the Russian Federation against His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims worldwide, and against the staff of the Aga Khan Foundation. These measures are undoubtedly unjust and destructive, damaging relations between nations and peoples, especially considering the exceptional contribution that Prince Karim Aga Khan and his organizations have made to the development and stability of many countries, including Tajikistan.
For Tajikistan, Prince Karim Aga Khan is not just a spiritual leader but also a historic figure whose role in the lives of our citizens is invaluable. During the critical years of the Civil War from 1992 to 1997, when our people were on the brink of a humanitarian disaster, it was thanks to the efforts of Aga Khan that the population of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region was saved from devastation. Promptly organized humanitarian aid prevented numerous tragedies, and after the war, the Aga Khan’s organizations continued their work, contributing to the rebuilding of Tajikistan by constructing schools, medical facilities, and providing clean drinking water to remote villages.
The Aga Khan’s organizations also played a crucial role in preserving and developing the cultural and religious identity of Ismailis in Tajikistan, including through the construction of prayer houses in Dushanbe and Khorog and the establishment of a specialized school in Khorog. The closure of this school by the Rahmon regime in 2024 deeply concerns us, and we are convinced that such actions directly contributed to the current situation. It is evident that without intervention from the authorities in Dushanbe, Russia would not have imposed sanctions on organizations known globally for their humanitarian and educational activities.
For Ismailis, Prince Karim Aga Khan is not just a leader but their living Imam, a spiritual guide whose significance extends far beyond political and diplomatic realities. The imposition of sanctions against a living Imam is an unprecedented step that could be seen as a direct attack on the religious rights and freedoms of millions of his followers. A just question arises: will his followers also automatically be considered enemies of the state? Such actions create a dangerous precedent and raise serious concerns about potential discrimination against Ismailis in Russia, as well as threaten their religious practice and right to freedom of worship.
The activities of the Aga Khan’s organizations in countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and African nations have always been aimed at supporting the most vulnerable segments of the population. These organizations provide humanitarian aid, develop educational and medical projects, and work to improve the quality of life for people regardless of their nationality or religion. The Russian Federation is deliberately attempting to undermine the authority of Prince Karim Aga Khan by including him on the sanctions list, questioning his long-standing humanitarian efforts, effectively making him and his followers in Russia enemies of the state.
The reaction of the population of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, for whom Russia has traditionally been a friendly country, is of particular concern. However, the imposition of sanctions against their spiritual leader may alter this perception and heighten tensions between the Tajik authorities and the Pamiri Ismailis. Historically complex relationships may become strained, with serious implications for regional stability.
It is important to emphasize that even during the Soviet era, there was a certain status quo in relations with Aga Khan and the Ismaili Imams. Today’s actions by Russia threaten to disrupt this balance and introduce unnecessary discord. We view this move as a dangerous trend that could lead to unpredictable consequences for state and religious community relations.
The Movement for Reform and Development in Tajikistan strongly condemns the decision of the Russian authorities to impose sanctions against His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the staff of the Aga Khan Foundation. These actions undermine efforts to strengthen peace and cooperation on the international stage, creating new lines of division and confrontation, ultimately harming not only specific states but the entire Central Asian region.
Chairman of the Reform and Development Movement in Tajikistan
Sharofiddin Gadoev
August 22, 2024
Amsterdam
