Kazakhstan’s political landscape has undergone a significant shift as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the dismissal of two key cabinet members, Ruslan Zhaksylykov, Minister of Defence, and Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport, reports The Times of Central Asia. The decision marks a reshuffling within the country’s leadership as the administration seeks to address critical challenges in defence and infrastructure.
Ruslan Zhaksylykov’s removal as Minister of Defence comes during a time of heightened scrutiny over Kazakhstan’s military readiness and regional security. While the government has not disclosed specific reasons for the dismissal, defence analysts suggest it is tied to concerns about military efficiency, resource management, and preparedness in a challenging geopolitical environment.
Criticism has mounted regarding the state of the country’s defence capabilities, with insiders pointing to inefficiencies in handling resources and gaps in modernisation efforts. Zhaksylykov’s departure aligns with President Tokayev’s broader drive to reform and modernise the armed forces, aiming for greater accountability and effectiveness.
During Zhaksylykov’s time in office, the ministry faced frequent criticism over tragic incidents within the army, including fatal injuries and servicemen suicides, which sparked widespread public outrage.
The administration has moved swiftly in appointing Dauren Kosanov as Zhaksylykov’s successor, with the President instructing him to enhance the army’s combat readiness, expand special operations forces, and modernise military infrastructure. A seasoned military leader, Kosanov has previously held key positions including commander of the Air Force and director of the Military Institute of Air Defence Forces.
Simultaneously, Marat Karabayev has been relieved of his duties as Minister of Transport, a position he had held since September 2023 when the ministry was established. His term was marked by escalating challenges in the transport and logistics sector, culminating in mounting criticism from the President himself.
Earlier this year, President Tokayev issued Karabayev an official reprimand for his unsatisfactory performance. The dismissal comes following a Security Council meeting chaired by the President during which Karabayev and other officials faced criticism for the state of the transport sector.
Tokayev highlighted systemic issues, including delays in transit projects, bottlenecks at border crossings, and inadequate infrastructure at checkpoints. The President also condemned the lack of progress in fulfilling key plans designed to boost the country’s capabilities as a transit hub.
Karabayev’s dismissal underscores the urgent need for reforms in the transport sector. President Tokayev stressed the importance of modernising infrastructure to position Kazakhstan as a competitive player in international trade. He pointed to strategic initiatives such as establishing “green corridors” for streamlined border trade, improving transit volumes, and ensuring reliable aviation fuel supplies.
