Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has revealed the real reason behind the resignation of Kyrgyzstan’s powerful security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, saying the decision was made for the sake of stability and unity in the country.

The president stressed that his friendship with Tashiev remains intact, but the move was necessary to prevent political division from spiraling into a broader crisis, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

“Our friendship remains. The decision to dismiss Tashiev was made for the calm of the state and harmony among people. Before relieving him of his post, I called my friend and explained the situation. With this swift decision, I also protected him,” Japarov said.

The president noted that the situation began escalating inside the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament), where certain political groups tried to divide lawmakers into “Team Tashiev” and “Team President.”

The MPs were reportedly pressured to choose sides - whether they supported the general or the head of state - a move Japarov warned could have deepened political rifts and eventually spread division among ordinary citizens.

“If I had not taken rapid and decisive measures, the split could have reached people. That is why I had to make this decision,” he said.

Japarov also suggested that Tashiev had been influenced by people in his inner circle and directed onto the wrong path, prompting the need for urgent action.

Tashiev had led Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security since October 2020 and was dismissed on February 10.