Oilmen on strike in Astana are not the voice of the masses. Those are private oil and gas companies fighting for money.  Blogger Alma Tulebayeva discusses the latest events in Astana in her Facebool post.

Zhanaozen 2011…

“ Peaceful strike of workers from KMG E&P in spring and autumn of 2011 and today’s hype – those are the two different phenomena and actions.

In 2011, KMG E&P workers wanted de-centralization of management and closure of E&P, as well as restoration of Ozenmunaygas and creation of private companies.  Those things were done, for the interests of the striking masses.  Later, bosses from Ozenmunaygas and Embamunaygas, as well as private holders of KMG E&P shares made big money from the buy-back of common and privileged shares of the company – three times more compared to their market value. 

…And Zhanaozen 2023

What we are having today is the fight between two private companies – BerAli Mangistau and Kezb, for a juicy Ozenmunaygas tender.

It was clear, that those two were like two bears in one forest, in Zhanaozen.  That is why, they sent people to Astana with tents and sleeping bags.

Radical Steps

Given this situation, we should cancel state procurement procedures.  Money appropriated for state procurement should be used to employ people with Ozenmunaygas, so that those new employed people work for the benefit of the country and public wealth, not owners of private oil and gas companies.

As for BerAli and Kezbi, let them go down in ashes!

That will teach them off from seeking profits from the national treasury.

They must assume responsibility for organizing all that hassle, under the camo of democracy.  That is my opinion.

Besides, mind that many people in Mangistau received very good moneys having sold their land nearby oilfields, especially those, who sold it to Mubadala Capital.  We are looking at millions of dollars in total.  People in Mangistau should not pretend they did not collect their profits from sales of land and operations with mineral resources.  They should not show false modesty