After centuries of being ruled by tribal leaders, Kyrgyzstan was conquered by Russia in the mid 1800’s. In 1924 the country was incorporated into the Soviet Union and achieved independence in 1991. President Akayev’s rule, which began in 1990, was initially marked by promising democratic reforms, but by 2000, it became clear that his government was corrupt. In spring 2005, following nationwide protests and calls for Akayev’s resignation, he was ousted. Former Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiyev became President in 2005 in elections that were considered significantly more free and open than previous parliamentary and presidential elections.

 In November 2006, after mass demonstrations demanding reform, President Bakiyev signed a new constitution that transferred some of the president’s powers to the parliament.  The parliament began to assert its independence to a greater degree, including the handling of the president’s cabinet nominees. However, most political parties continue to be weak, poorly organized and centred around a specific leading figure, and corruption is widely spread throughout society.

Although Kyrgyzstan is constitutionally a secular state, the fear of militant groups has caused its government to impose restrictive religion laws that negatively impact peaceful religious communities. In November 2008, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament passed a religion law that proposed even stricter regulations.  For example, whereas religious organizations previously needed only ten members to register with the government, the new law mandates 200 members. The proposed law also bans the distribution of religious literature in public places and prohibits private religious schools.

Religion in Kyrgyzstan is often strongly associated with ethnicity. Ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks are typically assumed to be Muslim, whereas ethnic Russians are considered Christian. This can cause added problems for Muslims who desire to convert to Christianity. This is especially the case in southern Kyrgyzstan where the majority of people are ethnic Uzbeks and Muslim. In some villages, Muslims physically assault and evict Christians from their communities and demand the closure of church buildings.

Prayer Requests

• Pray that religious freedom will be respected under the rule of law and Christians no longer subject to harassment.
• Pray for church leaders to effectively disciple believers and equip them to stand strong in their faith despite opposition.