Kazakh president warns language provocations threaten country's sovereignty

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has warned that provocateurs are using the language issue to incite interethnic discord in an attempt to weaken the nation and undermine its sovereignty, while emphasizing that the growing prominent role of the Kazakh language must not come at the expense of other tongues.

Speaking at a session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan—the country's constitutional advisory body for interethnic harmony—Tokayev highlighted the natural rise of the state language, particularly among younger generations.

"Without any administrative, let alone political, coercion, the Kazakh language is gaining popularity, primarily among youth," Tokayev said, according to the presidential press service. "It is in demand both as the state language and as a symbol of national culture and identity. Lacking even a basic knowledge of Kazakh has increasingly become viewed as a lack of general education. This is the result of our shared efforts rooted in tolerance and persuasion. However, this does not mean abandoning other languages, nor does it justify their suppression."

Tokayev reiterated that Kazakhstan's constitution strictly prohibits discrimination based on language, ethnicity, religion, or any other grounds. He accused external and internal agitators of deliberately stirring up tensions on digital platforms and on the ground.

"Professional provocateurs continue to stoke interethnic friction both on social media and in real life," Tokayev warned. "Their sole objective is to weaken our society, erode Kazakhstan's sovereignty, destroy national unity, and rob our people of the opportunity to live in peace and stability. In essence, they are targeting the future of our children and grandchildren."

By Vafa Guliyeva