Kazakhstan leader orders full review of Defence Ministry operations

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered a broad inspection of the country’s Defence Ministry, giving a newly established commission seven days to submit its initial findings.

The review will cover the overall state of affairs at the ministry, including the financial and logistical support provided to military units, according to the presidential press service.

The commission will be headed by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Chairperson of Kazakhstan’s Security Council. Its membership includes Supreme Audit Chamber Chairman Alikhan Smailov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Yerzhan Zhienbayev, Financial Monitoring Agency Chairman Zhanat Elimanov, Security Council staff chief Murat Baymukashev, Finance Minister Madi Takiyev, First Deputy Prosecutor General Zhandos Umiroliyev, First Deputy Chairman of the National Security Committee Ali Altynbayev and First Vice Minister of National Economy Azamat Amrin.

The presidential order calls for a comprehensive examination of the Defence Ministry’s operations and military support systems.

The move follows a deadly accident during naval exercises in Mangystau Region on September 24. Seventeen servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea after weather conditions deteriorated rapidly; 14 died, and three were rescued. Kazakhstan completed the search operation the following day.

The tragedy has already triggered a criminal investigation. Five officials within the Defence Ministry system have been detained as suspects, including the Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces, two military unit commanders and marine and boat commanders. Investigators are examining the organisation of the exercise, compliance with safety requirements, weather conditions, the vessel’s technical condition and the actions of officials responsible for personnel safety.

The commission’s first results are due within seven days.

By Tamilla Hasanova