Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Resolve Long-Standing Border Dispute

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have settled a decades-old border dispute that previously incited deadly ethnic clashes. An agreement was signed by senior security officials, covering over 970 kilometers of state boundaries. Following a violent escalation in September 2022 that resulted in significant casualties, this resolution aims to improve stability in both nations.

On Friday, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan announced the resolution of a long-standing border dispute that has led to violent clashes between ethnic groups, resulting in over a hundred fatalities. Senior security officials from both nations signed an agreement delineating the state borders that cover more than 970 kilometers (600 miles), having settled disagreements over specific segments of the boundary. This agreement is pending final approval from the presidents of both countries.

The escalation of violence in September 2022, which involved two days of skirmishes, claimed the lives of more than 100 individuals and forced approximately 140,000 residents to evacuate from their homes. In April 2021, similar tensions resulted in the deaths of about 20 people and left over 200 injured, highlighting the fragility of stability in the region.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have made a significant step towards peace by resolving their border dispute, which has previously led to deadly violence. The agreement reached by their top security officials, which now awaits presidential endorsement, may foster greater stability in an area affected by ethnic tensions. The impact of previous clashes underscores the importance of a peaceful resolution for enhancing regional security.

Original Source: www.jpost.com