President Rahmon(ov) removed Russian suffix from surname and required all newborns be registered with Tajik surnames. Ali Akbar Turajonzoda, a United Tajik Opposition leader during civil war, called for blanket amnesty for all former opposition combatants. Last major civil-war era field commander to hold government post, Interior Ministry General Suhrob Qosimov, resigned, bringing era of warlordism to end.

7 suspected Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan members went on trial in Sughd Province 8 February. In Moscow, journalist and activist Dodojon Atovulloyev claimed new united Tajik opposition movement will hold demonstrations calling for Rahmonov’s resignation.

Supreme Court banned 10 organizations as terrorist, including al-Qaeda, Harakati Tablighot, Jamiyati Tablighot, Islamic Party of Turkestan, Sozmoni Tabligh, and Tojikistoni Ozod. Authorities reportedly acknowledged fault of border forces after Kyrgyz Batken province governor threatened on border 9 January.

President Emomali Rahmonov made several changes to cabinet and other senior government posts to consolidate power after November electoral victory. Former opposition no longer represented in cabinet.

Incumbent Emomali Rahmonov won 6 November presidential elections with 79% of vote. Nearest rival, Olimjon Boboyev, (Economic Reforms Party) got 6%. Turnout reported at 90%, but OSCE said poll fell short of international standards.

Electoral campaign for 6 November presidential elections underway; 4 challengers considered unlikely to displace incumbent Emomali Rahmonov. Major opposition parties boycotting vote. Communications ministry ordered censorship of several websites known for critical coverage of government, citing state security, but later appeared to reverse decision in face of NGO protests.

Islamic Renaissance, Democratic, and Social Democratic parties announced boycott of November presidential election, saying poll would not be free or fair; 4 other opposition candidates to run. IRP elected Muhiddin Kabiri as new leader. 3 men sentenced to 5-8 years for involvement in January jailbreak in Qayroqqum in which suspected Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan member Rahimov escaped.

Opposition Islamic Renaissance Party leader Said Abdullo Nuri died after long illness 9 August; his deputy, Muhiddin Kabiri, nominated as successor. Suspected Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan militant and police officer killed in attempted arrest 3 August. Sogd regional court sentenced ethnic Uzbek to 15 years for spying in at least fourth such sentence since May. Former presidential guard chief Mirzoyev given life sentence for alleged 2004 coup plot. Attempt to remove two former opposition field commanders from posts in eastern province of Badakhshon led to protests by commanders’ supporters in regional capital Khorog. Parliament set presidential elections for 6 November.

10 suspected Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan members detained. Military prosecutor accused former presidential guard chief Mirzoyev of murder and sedition.

Border guards accused Uzbekistan of sheltering rebels and refusing to demarcate minefields amidst worsening relations. Meanwhile, court in Sogd province gave 4 Uzbek citizens sentences up to 16 years for spying; Uzbek authorities also reportedly arrested a Tajik for espionage. 2 alleged members of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan arrested.