Nazarbayev and Tokayev fiercely share assets

 

 Since the worst unrest in Kazakhstan since independence erupted in early January, the republic's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been silent. 225 people died, but the leader of the nation, who personified it for many years, simply disappeared, the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets reported, citing Western media.

Some sources in the British edition of The Guardian reported that he was hiding somewhere on the shores of Lake Geneva. Others say he flew to Dubai, others say he is probably dead.

But most likely he is still in Kazakhstan.

 "According to my latest information, Nazarbayev is in fierce talks with Kasim-Jomart Tokayev about the redistribution of assets, business and bank accounts," a well-informed representative of the Western government in Kazakhstan told Kazakhstan.

Tokayev, once loyal to Nazarbayev, now intends to deprive his former benefactor and members of his family of power.

"The struggle for power continues. There is no guarantee that everything will end peacefully, "said the Western official.

Former Minister and Nazarbayev's adviser Ermuhamet Ertisbayev said his former boss is still in Kazakhstan.

 "Negotiations are ongoing, but it is clear that the Nazarbayev era is over," Ertisbayev said. He blamed the recent violence on "reactionary and conservative forces of the Nazarbayev clan".

Tokayev has not yet publicly criticized the former leader of the republic, but there are real signs that the cult of personality is over. In particular, the statue of Nazarbayev was not restored on the pedestal, street signs with his name disappeared from the streets of Almaty.

The local elite is quick to declare its commitment to Tokayev. They hope the purge in the government will end with members of Nazarbayev's family and close circle.

 "Tokayev is a sane man and knows how important the country's image is. He will act smoothly and carefully. He will not shoot with a machine gun, he will shoot at unwanted people with a sniper rifle, "said the source.

People in Kazakhstan are wondering whether Nazarbayev will ever appear in public, whether Tokayev will completely abandon his predecessor, whether he will revive the cult of personality or simply remain silent.