Sharofiddin Gadoev, leader of the DRRT. Photo: tajreform.org
The Reforms and Development of Tajikistan Movement (DRRT) has announced the beginning of the process to form a provisional government of Tajikistan in exile. The initiative, according to its organizers, seeks to unite democratic forces to overcome the political crisis caused by what they describe as President Emomali Rahmon’s “thirty years of authoritarian rule.”
In a statement circulated among the Tajik diaspora, human rights organizations, and media, DRRT Chairman Sharofiddin Gadoev called on all “free and responsible citizens”—including political activists, intellectuals, religious leaders, and civil society representatives—to join in a nationwide dialogue.
The statement claims that democratic institutions in Tajikistan have been completely dismantled and that the judiciary, security forces, and economy are under the control of the ruling family. The DRRT cites widespread repression targeting the opposition, independent journalists, and religious believers, and points to the existence of thousands of political prisoners.
“The current regime poses a threat not only to Tajikistan but to the stability of the entire region,” the statement reads.
According to the DRRT, the provisional government would serve as a legitimate representative of the Tajik people in the international arena and would work toward:
👉 protecting human rights and securing the release of political prisoners;
👉 laying the groundwork for free elections under international supervision;
👉 ensuring a peaceful transition from authoritarianism to democracy.
To coordinate these efforts, the group proposes establishing a National Council tasked with forming interim governing structures, developing a transition “roadmap,” and engaging in international negotiations.
The DRRT stresses that a provisional government cannot be created by a single group—it requires broad dialogue and cooperation among all opposition and civil society actors, including the diaspora.
“We call on everyone who cares about Tajikistan’s future to join this process,” the statement concludes.
Sharofiddin Gadoev is a co-founder of the opposition group Group 24 (banned in Tajikistan), which he established alongside Umarali Kuvvatov, later assassinated in Turkey. Born on May 19, 1985, Gadoev graduated from the law faculty of the National University of Tajikistan. He was involved in business from 2003 to 2012, then left the country. Since 2013, he had been on an international wanted list at the request of Tajik authorities, though European countries repeatedly released him after review. In January 2020, Interpol removed his name from the list.
In exile, Gadoev founded the Reforms and Development of Tajikistan Movement and in September 2018 helped establish the National Alliance of Tajikistan (NAT), a coalition of opposition forces later designated a terrorist-extremist organization by the Tajik government. In August 2024, however, the DRRT withdrew from the NAT, citing disagreements with other alliance members.
