Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for the Russia-led regional security bloc, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, to “stabilize” the country amid anti-government demonstrations.

Tokayev called for support from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) amid nationwide protests which were first sparked by a sharp hike in fuel prices since Tuesday, but have broadened to include other political issues.

“In accordance with the Treaty on the Security Council, I asked the leaders of the CSTO member states to assist Kazakhstan in overcoming this terrorist threat,” Tokayev said in a televised speech. “In fact, this is not only a threat, it is an attack on the integrity of the state, an attack on our citizens. They ask me, as the Head of State, to defend themselves as soon as possible.”

“It is my constitutional duty to think about the well-being, security, and peace of our citizens. Therefore, the appeal to my colleagues in the CSTO is a timely and completely correct decision. I am confident that the people of Kazakhstan will support this decision. If we work together, we will definitely win,” he added.

Protests broke out in Kazakhstan on Sunday after a sudden sharp increase in gas prices in which according to the Kazakh government was due to high demand and price-fixing.

The protests began in the oil town of Zhanaozen but have quickly spread to other cities in the country, including the largest city, Almaty.

In response, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev introduced a state of emergency in Mangystau District and Almaty, effective from Wednesday. The curfew is in place until 19 January. (ILKHA)