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Where Did Tajik President Emomali Rahmon Disappear To? And Why Does It Matter?
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, one of the world's longest-serving authoritarian leaders, has reportedly disappeared from public view, raising questions about his health and the stability of his government. Rahmon has ruled Tajikistan since 1994 and has been grooming his son Rustam Emomali as a potential successor. His absence matters geopolitically given Tajikistan's strategic location bordering Afghanistan and its relationships with Russia, China, and Central Asian neighbors. Any leadership tr