Turkmenistan power shift Berdimuhamedow removes Niyazov loyalist Rejepow

In May 2007, Turkmenistan's new president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, sacked Akmyrat Rejepow, a high-ranking security official who had been instrumental in maintaining the personality cult of the former president, Saparmurat Niyazov. Rejepow, as head of the presidential security service, had wielded immense power under Niyazov and was a key figure in the authoritarian system that kept Niyazov in power. His dismissal by Berdimuhamedow was seen as a significant move to consolidate power and dismantle remnants of Niyazov’s regime. Rejepow’s removal marked a turning point in Turkmenistan’s political landscape, as Berdimuhamedow sought to distance himself from the excesses of Niyazov’s rule while also ensuring his own authority. By targeting such a powerful figure from Niyazov’s inner circle, Berdimuhamedow signaled his intent to establish a new era in Turkmen politics, albeit still under a tightly controlled, authoritarian system. This event also reflected the delicate balance of power in post-Niyazov Turkmenistan, as Berdimuhamedow carefully navigated internal political dynamics to maintain stability.