Day 16
Tajikistan
Ethnic Kyrgyz living in Tajikistan used to be able to cross the border into Kyrgyzstan on the Tajik passports to visit relatives. But declining border security has meant this is no longer possible. Ethnic Kyrgyz are marginalized within Tajikistan causing unrest, and many are wanting to leave Tajikistan even though they were born there. Speak out over these nations, that their identity can be found in Jesus Christ. He is a solid foundation and the giver of life (The Bible, Isaiah 33:6).
Source: Tajikistan: Helpless Kyrgyz communities isolated and stranded by border tension (Eurasianet)
Central Asia’s poorest nation, Tajikistan has never recovered from the Soviet era. After five years of civil war following the 1991 Soviet collapse, an UN-brokered peace deal resulted. Secular forces dominate, but economic stability hasn’t returned. Tajikistan voted to allow its president to rule indefinitely. Each year greater legislative restrictions oppress the Tajik masses. Secular forces also dictate religious law. Although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, oppression is widespread. Literature confiscation is a primary tool the government uses against Christians. Churches must register to be legal, a near impossible task. However, both registered and unregistered church gatherings continue to take place.
