Tajik Opposition Leader Visits Kabul; Attributing Tajikistan’s Strained Relations with Afghanistan and Internal Challenges and Crises to President Emomali Rahmon’s Personal Policies
Sharofiddin Gadoev, leader of the “Movement for Reform and Development of Tajikistan,” recently visited Kabul and states that under the leadership of Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan’s current regime is responsible for both the internal crises and the strained relations with neighboring countries, including Afghanistan.
Gadoev, whose visit to Kabul was at the invitation of bon-governmental organization, further stated that due to the oppressive and misguided policies of the current leadership, both the country and its citizens face serious threats. Domestic issues such as unemployment, legal violations, lack of opportunities, and political repression, push many Tajik youths toward extremist groups like ISIS. According to him, “President Emomali Rahmon’s authoritarian policies—such as the elimination of political opposition, physical targeting of dissenters, mass killings, unjust arrests, and the spread of fear—have created a fertile ground for the spread of extremist ideologies.”
He also described Afghanistan as a vital and trustworthy neighbor, criticizing the Tajikistan current regime’s mistreatment of Afghan refugees and strained diplomatic relations with Afghan government. He believes these issues stem from Rahmon’s personal policies rather than the will of the Tajik people, who, according to Gadoev, desire amicable relations with Afghanistan.
