Emomali Rahmon is a dictator who seized power through violence and bloodshed, establishing his rule on the blood of the people of Tajikistan. During the 1992–1997 civil war, Rahmon’s regime, in its effort to maintain power, resorted to mass killings. According to official data, over 157,000 innocent civilians fell victim to the conflict. This marks only the beginning of a long list of heinous crimes, placing Rahmon alongside the most brutal dictators in history, such as Hafez al-Assad.
Hafez al-Assad, the former dictator of Syria, similarly created a tyrannical regime rooted in violence and suppression. Both regimes maintained power through terror, killings, and repression of the opposition. After Hafez al-Assad’s death, power was transferred to his son, Bashar al-Assad, whose continuation of his father’s bloody policies plunged Syria into civil war and devastation.
Rahmon’s Regime: A Source of Violence and Lawlessness
The crimes of Emomali Rahmon extend far beyond the civil war; his oppressive policies persist to this day. Rahmon’s regime has:
• imprisoned thousands of innocent citizens;
• subjected hundreds of journalists and human rights defenders to repression;
• completely curtailed civil liberties and eradicated opposition.
The bloodshed under this regime began during the civil war and continues with mass killings and oppression of innocent people. For example, in 2022, dozens of civilians in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region were killed, and hundreds were imprisoned.
The Threat of a Syrian Scenario in Tajikistan
Today, as Emomali Rahmon prepares to transfer power to his son, Rustam Emomali, Tajikistan faces a grave threat. Lacking both governance experience and public support, Rustam is likely to become merely a continuation of his father’s bloody policies. This risks plunging the country into a new tragedy, similar to Syria’s.
Bashar al-Assad, following his father’s death, attempted to present himself as a reformer. However, a regime built on violence cannot be reformed. Bashar was compelled to continue his father’s brutal repression, which led to Syria’s civil war and national catastrophe. Rustam Emomali is unlikely to deviate from this path: he cannot reform his father’s tyrannical regime, and any attempt to do so will likely result in the collapse of power.
What Must Be Done?
Tajikistan must not repeat Syria’s historical mistake. To prevent a tragedy, the following steps are essential:
1. Emomali Rahmon must voluntarily relinquish power and create conditions for democratic reforms.
2. Law enforcement and security structures must side with the people and cease serving a bloody regime.
3. The international community must increase pressure on Rahmon’s regime to prevent further bloodshed and a national catastrophe.
Conclusion
Emomali Rahmon is not only responsible for the deaths of 157,000 of his own citizens but also the head of a regime that holds the entire nation hostage through fear and violence. Transferring power to Rustam Emomali will result in further bloodshed and the total destabilization of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan needs a future without the Rahmons, without tyranny, and without violence. Only a democratic transition can provide freedom for the people and ensure peace and stability for the country.
Sharofiddin Gadoev
Chairman of the Movement for Reform and Development of Tajikistan
Amsterdam
December 12, 2024
