| 1992 Tajikistan protests | |
|---|---|
 An anti-government rally at Shakhidon square, Dushanbe in May 1992 | |
| Date | 26 March 1992 - 7 September 1992 |
| Location | |
| Caused by |
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| Goals |
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| Methods | Demonstrations |
| Resulted in |
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| Deaths and injuries | |
| Death | 1 |
| Injuries | unknown |
The1992 Tajikistan protests, also known as theTajikistani Revolution, were nonviolent, bloodless protests and demonstrations against the results of the1991 Tajik presidential election. These results were thought to be rigged and in favour of the presidentRahmon Nabiyev. Opposition rallies erupted on 26 March 1992 but demonstrations became large-scale by May, at the onset of violence. These series of peacefulprotests would lead to the bloodyTajikistani Civil War.[1]
Tajikistan was part of theSoviet Union as theTajik SSR. The introduction ofperestroika andglasnost policies byMikhail Gorbachev, last president of theUSSR led to a series of political and economic upheavals that led to the unraveling of the political and economic system in place and greater influence by actors outside the Communist Party. In 1990, theDushanbe riots took place against immigration from outside the republic and the government. After the failedAugust coup against Gorbachev in 1991, the republican authorities proclaimed independence and setpresidential elections on November 24, which was won by communist leaderRahmon Nabiyev in disputed circumstances.[2]
Protests surrounding the election results escalated into clashes in March 1992, but soon subsided. Quiet protests and small demonstrations took place in April. Mass strikes and major demonstrations then resumed throughout the country, demanding the resignation of the government and President Nabiyev. The government responded by arming militias and quelling the demonstrators with guns and tanks, sparking more clashes. The unrest spiraled out of control, with a particular clash inKhujand, Tajikistan's second-largest city, sparking the 5 year longTajikistani Civil War. After weeks of mass strikes and demonstrations, the protesters captured the Nabiyev and forced him to resign.[3][4]