Power in Chechnya: Ramzan Kadyrov’s family business

Originally published by the Caucasian Knot

Ibrahim Zakriev, the nephew of the head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov, was appointed acting mayor of Grozny on 25 June. He previously served as Deputy Assistant to the President of Chechnya, Head of State and Head of State Department, and First Deputy Prime Minister in the Government.

Almost the entire governing system of Chechnya is tied to Kadyrov and his close friends and relatives. According to the BBC’s Russian Service, out of 158 top officials in Chechnya 30 per cent are related to Kadyrov, 23 per cent are from the same region where he was born, and 12 per cent are friends and their relatives.

Six of Kadyrov’s relatives work in administrative positions, eight in the government and five in parliament. Seven of his relatives work in security agencies, including heading up the republican Federal Migration Service, the Road Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Nine of his relatives are in leading positions in city and regional administration including regional ministerial positions.

According to the Caucasian Knot, political scientists say that Kadyrov’s ‘staffing’ policy is aimed at strengthening his family’s position and in protecting the interests of the Kadyrov clan.