THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM REQUIRES UNITY OF THOUGHT AND PURPOSE
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, consistently addresses the grave consequences of terrorism and extremism in his speeches. He presents scientifically and practically grounded perspectives, offering insights and strategies to counteract these threats. His analyses and directives to relevant authorities aim to safeguard national and societal security, uphold human and civil rights, reinforce the rule of law, and preserve state independence. The violation of human and civil rights resulting from such phenomena has had devastating consequences, as witnessed during the years of the imposed civil war.
In his regular Address on December 23, 2022, the Head of state stated: “Today, terrorist and extremist groups employ new strategies and methods to attract and recruit citizens into their ranks through modern information technologies, deceiving inexperienced and uninformed youth with extremist ideologies. In this context, it is imperative for the relevant authorities to enhance coordination in identifying and preventing terrorist and extremist threats. Additionally, efforts should be intensified to dissuade young people from engaging in extremist movements by strengthening awareness-raising initiatives and fostering a sense of national loyalty, patriotism, and respect for universal values.”
An analysis of the current situation concerning the fight against terrorism and other forms of extremism indicates that international terrorism poses a significant threat to Tajikistan and the broader region, increasingly taking on a transnational and global character. Targets of terrorist attacks include state and public officials, representatives of foreign states, and strategic and critical infrastructure. In recent years, there has been a persistent trend linking terrorism to various forms of transnational crime, including illicit drug and arms trafficking—its primary sources of funding—human trafficking, mercenarism, and illegal migration.
According to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Tajikistan and various domestic and international media sources, more than 1,000 Tajik citizens have joined the ranks of the so-called "Islamic State" in Iraq and Syria through various means and are actively participating in armed conflicts. Some have lost their lives in the process. This reprehensible act constitutes a betrayal of their nation's honor and dignity, bringing profound grief and suffering to their families and loved ones. The majority of young individuals who become involved in extremist groups are those who have studied at religious institutions abroad or have been labor migrants living far from their homeland.
As an independent state, the Republic of Tajikistan regards the prevention and counteraction of terrorism and extremism as a fundamental priority in ensuring national, regional, and global security. The country has implemented effective measures to enhance collective efforts in combating these threats. A notable example is the organization of numerous international conferences and forums on counterterrorism and counter-extremism, which have increasingly affirmed Tajikistan's pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, the successful hosting of such international events underscores the stability and security of the country, demonstrating that its peaceful environment remains intact.
Kholbegova N.M.- assistant of the department of histology