Whispers are growing louder in the North Caucasus, suggesting a major shift in Chechnya’s leadership. Ramzan Kadyrov, the region’s powerful leader, has just appointed his 20-year-old son, Akhmat, as acting deputy head of the Chechen government. This move, announced in early January, comes hot on the heels of unconfirmed reports that Kadyrov, 49, was seriously ill and hospitalised in Moscow late last month. This has sparked fresh questions about who might succeed him in the restive republic.
It’s not just Akhmat; Kadyrov’s 18-year-old son, Adam, has also been fast-tracked into multiple influential roles, including overseeing the regional Interior Ministry. Both young men, despite their lack of traditional experience, have received top awards. This rapid promotion of Kadyrov’s sons isn’t just a sign of a proud father; analysts believe it’s a calculated move to secure the family’s grip on power should Ramzan Kadyrov become incapacitated.
Ramzan Kadyrov is a formidable figure. Once a rebel against Russia, he switched sides, becoming Moscow’s loyal “foot soldier” in exchange for immense power and funding. He’s transformed Chechnya, rebuilding its capital Grozny, but at a cost to civil liberties. Human rights groups frequently accuse his regime of serious abuses, though he dismisses these claims as propaganda. His rule is defined by a strong personality cult and strict Islamic norms.
However, Kadyrov’s health has been a subject of speculation since 2019, with reports mentioning pancreatic issues. His recent absence from a key meeting with Putin and a video showing him using a cane and speaking with difficulty have only fueled these concerns. While Chechen officials call the promotions “personnel optimisations,” many observers see a desperate effort to stabilise a regime potentially facing a major transition. In the volatile history of the Caucasus, such changes rarely happen smoothly. The world is watching to see what comes next for the Kadyrov dynasty.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2154134/ailing-chechen-warlord-ramzan-kadyrov-vladimir-putin
