Experts Comment on Recent Dismissals of Defense and Transport Ministers, New Appointments

On Sunday, June 8, President Qasym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaqsylyqov and Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, and appointed Asel Zhanasova as a new presidential adviser, Orda.kz reports.

Political scientist Anuar Bakhitkhanov noted that the timing — a weekend — reflects the urgency and significance of the changes.

Zhaqsylyqov was replaced by Air Force General Dauren Kosanov. Since September 2024, Kosanov had served as Zhaqsylyqov’s deputy and previously led Kazakhstan’s Air Defense Forces.

A few hours after the announcement, Toqayev received the newly appointed defense minister and assigned him tasks, such as boosting the army’s combat readiness, expanding the capabilities of special operations forces, improving the effectiveness of social and ideological work, and modernizing military infrastructure.

Expert Daniyar Ashimbayev wrote that the appointment follows reported tensions over procurement from local military suppliers:

Zhaqsylyqov had a conflict not long ago regarding the purchase of military equipment from some Kazakhstani business structures, said analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev.

Political scientist Bakhitkhanov sees Kosanov’s appointment as a possible signal of dissatisfaction with the army's condition, declining combat readiness, or internal risks.

It may also reflect a broader effort to reset power structures within the defense sector.

Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport since the ministry’s founding in September 2023, was dismissed following Toqayev’s public criticism of repeated failures in transport logistics and infrastructure. The President had earlier ordered urgent corrective action after labeling the disruptions unacceptable, especially given Kazakhstan's logistical potential.

Karabayev, who previously served as Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development, had told reporters he was not planning to resign.

Ashimbayev notes that he was dismissed while on a business trip.

The President has not yet named a successor.

Asel Zhanasova, former head of Kazpost and ex–Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, has been appointed as presidential adviser. Under her leadership, Kazpost became profitable for the first time in five years.

She was ranked 18th on Forbes Kazakhstan’s 2025 list of most influential women.

Bakhitkhanov said the appointment reflects the strengthening of the presidential apparatus, possibly ahead of broader administrative or foreign policy changes.

These reshuffles are not routine. This is a signal to the elites: the President is strengthening the vertical of power, betting on loyalty and efficiency, preparing the system for the next stage, he said.

Ashimbayev also noted that high-level dismissals on weekends have become routine, such as the recent removal of Almaty Akim Yerbolat Dosayev.

Original Authors: Oksana Matvienko, Alexandra Mokhireva