Special Report: Memories of Civil War. Tajikistan and the Weaponization of Trauma Narratives

By: Genocide Watch

A protest in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe before the country's civil war. (Source: RFE/RL)

Located in Central Asia, Tajikistan continues to navigate the aftermath of Civil War (1992-1997), which resulted in the loss and displacement of thousands of civilians. The Civil War’s widespread devastation, along with other internal issues (poverty, economic stagnation, internal division, and longstanding corruption), continues to plague the State today—particularly among its leadership. Political figures such as President Emomali Rahmon use the Civil War to promote peace, unity, and harmony among the people. Unfortunately, such messages can have more sinister motives, especially in a State known for its corruption and violations of free speech, press, and assembly. This is the case in the Gorno-Badakhshan region of the Pamir Mountains in Eastern Tajikistan, home to ethnic Pamiris. On numerous occasions, Tajikistan government has accused local leaders of seeking to break away from the State. Fears of secession have triggered the use of intense force and restrictions on rights to speech, assembly, and press. This article will examine how the Tajik Government weaponizes narratives of the Civil War to legitimize its power and justify restrictions on human rights.

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