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 showed only corruption. In spring 2005, he was ousted. The former prime minister became president in 2005 in elections that were considered significantly free and open. Orchestrated by the political opposition protesting corruption (especially in the 2009 election) and increased living costs, riots in 2010 spread and escalated to a countrywide level. They led to the flight of the president and the swearing in of a new provisional president in July 2010. These changes also heralded the creation of Central Asia’s first parliamentary democracy.

Kyrgyzstan has remained secular despite some pressure from Muslim and Orthodox groups for exclusive status. There has been a steady increase in restrictions on, and government scrutiny of, all religious practice, particularly since July 2007. Registration is commonly denied to churches, and expatriate work permits are limited. The government perceives extremist Islamic movements to be a threat, and a 2005 law against extremism was passed, as well as a new law on religious activity in January 2009. There is some hope that the religious laws may change under the new government, as they have restored much freedom of the press, but there are not yet any changes to the religious law.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for believers to stand firm and demonstrate the power and love of Christ.Pray for a just and righteous government that will oversee the genuine transformation of the Kyrgyz nation.
• Pray that religious freedom will be respected under the rule of law and Christians no longer subject to harassment.