Central Asian countries are actors with experience in counter-terrorism. Each state in the region has a history of fighting radical groups. In the last year, terrorist activities and the freedom of action of extremist groups have increased. The countries of the region are taking some steps both within the framework of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and through bilateral cooperation. Attempts are also made on the subject within the scope of the United Nations (UN).
The UN Counter-Terrorism Committee held an open briefing on Central Asia on 20 December 2022. Special representatives of Central Asian countries and officials of the Anti-Terrorism Committee took part in the briefing held at the UN Headquarters. At the same time, representatives from the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and representatives from the SCO RATS Executive Board also participated.[1]
In recent years, terrorism-related attacks or incidents in the Central Asian region have attracted attention. This is due to the fact that radical groups at the regional level tend to expand their scope of action and activities. The geographical proximity of the region to the areas where terrorist activities take place is also one of the determining factors in this regard. The briefing focused on reassessing the evolution of terrorism and taking into account the current threat level. It can also be said that the meeting was an opportunity to inform the members of the committee about the measures taken by the Central Asian states against terrorism.[2]
It is stated in the published draft agenda document that the measures taken by Central Asian countries against terrorism and extremism suitable for terrorism will be included in line with the development of the terrorist threat in Central Asia and the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. In the second session, it is planned to discuss international and regional cooperation mechanisms that aim to support the efforts of the states in the region and to promote good practices in the field of combating terrorism and violent extremism.[3] Indeed, as envisaged, these issues were emphasized at the meeting and feedback was received from the countries in the region.
In her opening remarks, Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Ambassador of India to the UN, who chaired the meeting, underscored the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s “long-standing constructive dialogue” with Central Asia, which she described as a “key partner” in international counterterrorism efforts.[4] These statements reveal the critical importance of Central Asian security for the UN.
The plan to organize an open briefing on Central Asia for the Counter-Terrorism Committee was agreed upon during the development of the Committee’s approved list of annual thematic and regional briefings for 2022. It assesses the efforts of Central Asian states to strengthen their counter-terrorism capacities. At the same time, the committee identifies priority focus areas for the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate’s initiatives in the region.
It can be said that the importance attached to Central Asia has increased due to the increasing extremism and the fight against terrorism at the global level. In this case, it can be said that the increase in activities directed towards the countries of the region and the efforts of local groups to expand their sphere of action are effective. The Committee’s visits to the countries in the region have also increased. Two visits were made to Uzbekistan and an extensive visit was made to Kyrgyzstan. This detail is important in terms of showing the importance given to the fight against terrorism in Central Asia.
Countries in the region have also welcomed initiatives within the UN framework. Turkmenistan announced the implementation of the country’s strategy for the prevention of violent extremism and counter-terrorism, as well as the “plan for the elimination of terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, extremism and extremist threats” pursuant to relevant UNSC resolutions. Tajikistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Jonibek Hikmatov, also expressed support for cooperation, saying:[5]
“We believe that there is a growing need to develop innovative approaches, including modern methods, to jointly combat terrorism and the spread of extremist ideology.”
It is known that the activities of local groups in the Central and South Asia region increased after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan. The so-called Emirate of Khorasan (ISKP) of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has intensified its activities against Central Asian countries. ISKP engages in hostile actions against countries in dialogue with the Taliban. This includes propaganda activities. As a matter of fact, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have been made open targets and missile attacks have been launched. The organization has serious activities against the countries in the region.
Developing links with local groups also increases the threat posed by the organization to the countries in the region. It is known that radical local groups, particularly the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, have joined or pledged allegiance to DAESH. In addition, the growing sympathy of extremist individuals towards the organization should also be taken into account. Therefore, it seems essential to take measures against the rise of radicalization in the region. In this sense, this diplomatic step at the UN shows that the actors are aware of these risks.
After the Taliban came to power, there was concern that extremism and violence would spread to Central Asian countries. In addition to regional initiatives, there are also international efforts. Various reports indicate that the steps taken have yielded results. In July 2022, the UN published its fifteenth report on the scope of UN efforts to support member states against security threats. The report emphasized that significant progress has been made in Central Asia in strengthening international and regional counter-terrorism cooperation and coordination.[6]
In October 2022, an international high-level conference on “International and Regional Border Security and Management Cooperation to Counter Terrorism and Prevent the Movement of Terrorists” was held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. The conference aimed to prevent and detect the movement of extremists, including foreign terrorist fighters, illegal trafficking of small and light weapons, conventional munitions and explosives, nuclear and chemical means. It is also aimed at promoting international cooperation to improve border and customs controls.[7]
The aforementioned conference is part of the process on “Countering Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism” launched in 2018. The first high-level international conference of the period, also called the “Dushanbe Process”, was held in May 2018.[8]
As a result, Central Asia is seriously affected by regional developments and the Afghan conjuncture. With the increase of terrorism and security risks, efforts are being made to increase the studies and measures in this regard. Taking steps within the scope of the UN is important for diplomatic efforts. However, it does not seem possible to end the threats felt in the region in the short and medium term. However, it is also clear that international moves have yielded relative results. Moreover, the increasing importance of Central Asia in the eyes of the West is also reflected in initiatives on terrorism. Therefore, it is foreseeable that similar meetings and international conferences will be organized more frequently.
[1] “Counter-Terrorism Committee to Hold Open Briefing on Central Asia”, UN, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ctc/events/counter-terrorism-committee-hold-open-briefing-central-asia-0#:~:text=On%2020%20December%202022%2C%20the,region%20should%20not%20be%20underestimated., (Date of Accession: 19.12.2022).
[2] Aynı yer.
[3] “Open Briefing of the Counter-Terrorism Committee on Central Asia”, UN, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ctc/sites/www.un.org.securitycouncil.ctc/files/agenda_of_the_ctc_open_briefing_on_central_asia_2022_16122022.pdf, (Date of Accession: 19.12.2022).
[4] “Central Asia “Key Partner” in Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Ruchira Kamboj”, The Print, https://theprint.in/world/central-asia-key-partner-in-global-counter-terrorism-efforts-ruchira-kamboj/1274793/, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Open Briefing…”, op. cit.
[7] “Opening of High-Level Conference on “International and Regional Border Security and Management Cooperation to Counter Terrorism and Prevent the Movement of Terrorists”“, OSCE, https://www.osce.org/countering-terrorism/529062, (Date of Accession: 19.12.2022).
[8] “High-Level Conference Stresses the Key Role of Borders Security and Cooperation to Address the Scourge of Terrorism in Central Asia and Beyond”, OSCE, https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-dushanbe/529263, (Date of Accession: 19.12.2022).
