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Tajikistan is part of the Soviet Union
Due to the Soviets' complete control of the country, opposition naturally began. Over time, this opposition built up into overall unrest and dislike for the Soviet government. -
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Late Soviet and Post Soviet Era
Tajikistan became one of the most Authoritarian political systems in Central Asia. Opposition parties were banned or supressed and the violation of civil rights began. Also, the flag was changed to symbolize the newly independent nation as well as emphasize the Persian culture present within the country. -
Language and Party Changes
Tajik Language ChangeThe Tajik Supreme Soviet legislator declared Tajik to be the official state language of Tajikistan (over Russian). This change in language was Tajikistan's first step towards independence from Russia. By making the language that of the people and not the government, it seperates the two, therefore isolating members of the USSR within the country and beginning a period of tension between the government and the citizens. Also, the Rastokhiz People's Front party was established. -
State of Emergency Declared
Tajikistani ProtestA state of emergency is declared on September 23 due to pro democracy protests in the capital, Dushanbe. Approximatley 5,000 Soviet troops are sent to suppress these protests, ultimitely resulting in the Supreme Soviet declaring state sovereignty on September 9, 1991. These protests proved that the Tajikistanis would do almost anything to gain independence and voice their dislike of the USSR's control. Tensions were clearly at an all time high. -
Soviet Collapse
Leader ResignationTajikistan CollapseThe soviet collapse on December 25 resulted in Tajik independance and therefore immediate destruction. This was due to the lack of governmental structure, internal security, and economic stability. Qahhor Makhamov, the Tajik Communist leader, was forced to resign due to his support of the anti- Gorbachev coup in Moscow. This continued chaos did not ease tensions that began the previous year and if anyting worsened them by giving the people the satisfaction of watching the Soviet Union collapse. -
Beginning of the Civil War
After independence was declared, anti- government demonstrations in Dushanbe (the capitol) continue to escalate into civil war between pro government forces, and Islamist/ pro democracy forces. This caused the non-Muslim population to flee and Nabiyev to resign. The beginning of the war was the breaking point for Tajikistan; tensions had reached an all time high and in combination with pressure from foreign countries, caused the govermnent to lose control. -
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Civil War
Drug Trafficking during Civil WarDuring the War, Tajikistan came across numerous issues dealing with security. Because the country was landlocked, outside forces easily came in and influenced the fighting forces. Another issue with this was that drug trafficking became a huge issue that the country still deals with today. In total, the war claimed 20,000 and displaced 600,000 lives. Overall, the war served as the Tajikistanis' way of expressing their resentment with Soviet control and only worsened tensions within the country. -
Government Control Begins
Peacekeeping Forces in TajikistanPost Soviet GovernmentThe government re- established control of Tajikistanis by supressing political opposition and imposing strict media controls. The Supreme Court banned political opposition parties, leaving the Communist Party as the only legal party. So even though the USSR was no longer in control of the country, its influence remained. The CIS peacekeeping force was deployed on the Tajik- Afghan border to prevent Islamic infiltration into Afghanistan. Since the start of the war, tensions remeained the same. -
Presidential Elections
Fraudulent ElectionEmomalii Rahmon, who is the current president, came into power on November 6. After the fact, it was proven that the ballot was not a fair one. This lack of true democracy proved that even though the people wanted it, the country would not be a democratic nation any time soon. The Soviet presence was still heavy despite its collapse and this only increased tensions between the people and the Soviet Tajik government. -
United Nations Ceasefire
Ceasefire and RahmonA United Nations sponsored ceasefire between the government and rebels was reached on December 16 due to Rahmon's willingness to negotiate with the opposition. A draft constitution was approved that reistituted a presidential system for the government (reaching democratic status). Even though the people didn't like that Rahmon was unfairly elected, his negotiations did nothing but ease tensions throughout the country. This was the first sign that peace within the country could be aquired. -
Parliamentary Elections
Tajik Afghan FightingRahmon gains support in his cabinet during the parliamentary elections and fighting on the Tajik- Afghan border erupts. This fighting caused tensions to significantly increase, because now the war was moving out of the capital and into Afghanistan. -
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Period of Optimism
A period of optimism surrounded the country with the people, the government, and the poltical parties. This was significantly different from the attitudes in Tajikistan during the past decades. It proved that most of the unrest had past and that the country was ready to ease tensions between the people, the government, and rebel forces. -
UTO and NRC Peace Accord
UTO The government and the United Tajik Opposition sign a peace accord on June 27, which results in the end of the Civil War. Meanwhile, the National Reconciliation Commission is created to supervise the implementation of this accord. Even though peace accords are agreed upon, violence has not ended. So in theory, all tensions have diminished due to legal documentation of peace, but there is still unrest that exists within the country. But this unrest will not be present for long. -
Government makes peace with Islamic Forces
Prime Minister AppointmentRahmon appoints Islamic opposition leader Ali Akbar Turadzhonzadaas First Deputy Prime Minister in attempt to create peace. This is the beginning of the combining of rebel and government forces. This combination was an important move in releaving tensions between the two countries. Whether or not the people supported this, it created a time of peace within the governmet that allowed it to make reforms and improve defense. -
Presidential Election
Rahmon Re-electionRahmon is peacefully reelected for a second term with 96% of the votes. This is significant because the entire country had been living in a period of unrest and war, so having a peaceful election showed that the tide was turning towards peace for the country as a whole. Also, the UTO is integrated into the state army. -
Last meeting of the National Reconciliation Commission
New CurrencyA new bicameral parliament is established in March during the last meeting of the National Reconciliation Commission. A national currency is agreed upon (somoni) and visas are introduced for travel between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. These measures are proof that stability and safety has been reached within the country, despite the economic status that has not improved. Major tensions are long gone and the country is ready to live in a time of peace.
