ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered reforms in Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces after a commission investigating a military incident in the Mangystau Region revealed serious shortcomings in planning, oversight and personal safety, reported the presidential press service on Oct. 5.
Tokayev reviews the initial findings of a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Defense following the deaths of 13 service members in the Mangystau Region. Photo credit: Akorda.
Tokayev held a meeting with members of the commission on Oct. 5, where its chair Aida Balayeva, who also serves as a deputy chair of the Security Council, presented the results of the work carried out across the main areas of the inspection.
The meeting noted that the events in the Mangystau Region exposed systemic problems within the Armed Forces. Preliminary findings indicate serious shortcomings in the planning of military activities and inadequate oversight by the previous leadership. The investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy identified deficiencies in the preparation and planning of exercises, risk assessment, organization of troop deployment and ensuring the safety of military personnel.
A pre-trial investigation into alleged criminal negligence by commanders is ongoing. Five officials have been arrested, while a final legal assessment of their actions will be made upon completion of the investigation.
Thirteen criminal cases launched
Law enforcement authorities opened 13 criminal cases during the first stage of the inspection over suspected embezzlement of state property and other alleged violations involving the Ministry of Defense and military units.
The inspection also uncovered lapses in military discipline and preventive work, including reported violence against service members that prompted criminal investigations.
Tokayev stressed that initial personnel decisions have been made and that all officials found responsible for the deaths of military personnel must face legal accountability. He stressed that the incident remains under his personal control.
Defense reforms to focus on modernizing the army
Tokayev instructed the commission and the Defense Ministry to draft proposals to address the shortcomings identified by the inspection. He said the findings should also be taken into account in preparing a broader reform plan for the Armed Forces.
Particular emphasis was placed on building a new-model army capable of effectively responding to modern challenges and threats, including stronger military discipline, improved safety standards and better conditions for service members.
