In a startling turn of events, the separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh has officially declared its dissolution, marking the end of an era for the unrecognized republic. Azerbaijani forces recently conducted a swift offensive to regain control over the breakaway region, leaving the Armenian officials with no choice but to surrender. As a result, a significant portion of the population has already fled, seeking refuge elsewhere.
Under the watchful eye of the region’s separatist President, Samvel Shakhramanyan, a decree was signed to acknowledge the agreement reached last week. This agreement aimed to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, with Azerbaijan promising to allow the unhindered movement of Nagorno-Karabakh residents and disarm Armenian troops in exchange.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory that historically belonged to Azerbaijan, fell under the control of ethnic Armenian forces supported by the Armenian military during a separatist conflict that concluded in 1994. However, in a recent six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan successfully reclaimed some parts of the region and the surrounding territory previously occupied by Armenian forces.
Following the intense military offensive and a subsequent cease-fire agreement facilitated by Russian peacekeepers, discussions have commenced between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh authorities on the region’s “reintegration” into Azerbaijan. Assurances have been given by Azerbaijani authorities that the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region will be respected, and supplies will be restored after a 10-month blockade. Nevertheless, fears of reprisals persist among many local residents, prompting them to seek refuge in Armenia.
The exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia has been overwhelming, with over half of the region’s population, amounting to 66,500 individuals, having already made the perilous journey. The influx shows no signs of slowing down, according to Armenian officials.
The mass departure commenced on Sunday evening, causing immense congestion on the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, leading to lengthy traffic jams. Tragically, an explosion occurred at a fuel reservoir situated near a gas station where people were queuing up for scarce gasoline due to the blockades. This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of 68 lives, with nearly 300 others injured and over 100 individuals still missing.
The future of Nagorno-Karabakh and its population of ethnic Armenians remains uncertain. President Shakhramanyan’s decree on Thursday urged all residents, including those who have already left, to review the reintegration conditions offered by the Republic of Azerbaijan. Individuals are encouraged to make informed decisions about the possibility of staying or returning to Nagorno-Karabakh based on their personal circumstances.
In an unexpected development, Azerbaijani authorities have recently pressed charges against Ruben Vardanyan, the former head of Nagorno-Karabakh’s separatist government. The charges include allegations of financing terrorism, creating illegal armed formations, and illegally crossing a state border. Vardanyan, a billionaire who amassed his wealth in Russia, was taken into custody while attempting to cross into Armenia from the breakaway region, alongside thousands of others. His arrest signifies Azerbaijan’s determination to swiftly consolidate its control over the region.
This disintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh, its political structures and devastating consequences, marks a significant chapter in the tumultuous history of the region. As the world observes the aftermath and the repercussions of this series of events, it remains to be seen how the ethnic Armenians who have long called Nagorno-Karabakh their home will navigate the uncertain path ahead.
Market Capital Research 