President Kurmanbek Bakiyev came to power in 2005, during the Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan. Many people hoped that he would bring an end to the corruption in the country and restore the economy. In 2009 he was officially re-elected as president, although observers described the poll as a "disappointment", saying it failed to meet key standards. Political opponents claim he became increasingly authoritarian, and accused him of corruption, nepotism and a media crackdown.
Rallies in the capital Bishkek in the beginning of April turned into a full scale uprising. More than 80 people were killed in the violence and hundreds were wounded. Numerous shops, establishments, hotels and markets were looted and burned. Conflicts in various villages were sparked by the unrest and turned into violent fights. People who were usually quiet gave vent to their anger and their frustration about the economic situation, the poverty and the lack of sufficient action of the government to improve their situation.
On Wednesday 7 April an interim government was installed headed by Roza Otunbayeva. Bakiyev fled to Jalalabad in the south of the country where many of his supporters live. Latest news is that Bakiyev has signed a letter of resignation and has flown to Kazakhstan. There are many rumours about the political situation and people are worried about the future. Many are afraid that the country will be divided among itself and that civil war may break out between the North and the South.
Meantime the situation in Bishkek has become quieter and people have returned to their work and students returned to their schools. The economy of the country, where the average monthly income is $ 70, suffered a severe blow through all the looting and violence. Many businessmen and shopkeepers are assessing the damage.
Christians in Kyrgyzstan have asked our prayers for:
