First year of second president of Dagestan

During the first year of his presidency, Magomedsalam Magomedov has not brought significant improvements to the country, but apparently he has taken serious steps to lay the foundations for stability.

Reforms in administration
 
Some were expecting from Magomedov more radical measures to restore order in the country, believing that strict administrative reforms were required to reduce bureaucracy and restore order in the law-enforcement bodies. Others objected to it, afraid that decisive measures could exacerbate an already difficult situation. In the past year, Magomedov has shown that he intends to put an end to anarchy.Now, almost all influential political groups have to take into consideration the power of the head of the republic, who largely relies on the old ties of his father, Magomedali Magomedov.

Interfaith Dialogue

Religious conflicts have also been in the focus of the head of the republic. The new government has initiated negotiations with representatives of the Salafist movement, which was illegal until recently. A state commission to adapt the militants to a peaceful life has been created.

From the number of security officials to the quality of their work

Another important initiative was the creation of a qualitatively new 800-strong unit of the special forces, aimed at fighting against the militants. Experts believe that security must be ensured first of all by the quality of the investigators and courts, while a simple increase in the number of security officials will make the situation even more unstable. The law-enforcement agents do not have a single command, which gives rise to competition and mutual distrust and has become another point in the criticisms made by the experts considering the new unit. According to the experts, the new special unit needs to carry out operational and investigative functions, as well as attract qualified lawyers.

Apanage princes - a threat to the unity of Dagestan

The heads of districts, cities and ministries, as well as the heads of large businesses and institutions, continue to contribute greatly to the unstable situation in the republic. These “apanage princes” have their own armed security forces, along with high ambitions and a desire for independence. They are guarded by local police or by private security.

Brotherhoods hamper economic development

After the inauguration ceremony of Magomedov, the plenipotentiary presidential envoy to the North Caucasian Federal District, Alexander Khloponin, noted that he had never seen so many armed men anywhere else. This is not surprising, as all the officials in Dagestan have their own forces of armed guards. This sabre-rattling produces a disagreeable impression, not only on the presidential envoy, but also on investors, which hampers the economy of Dagestan.

Congress of the Peoples of Dagestan

At the end of 2010, a Congress of the Peoples of Dagestan took place. It was not only state officials and local elites who participated in the event. It was also attended by representatives of local communities from all the regions of the republic, which otherwise would have no opportunity to meet and discuss the problems of the multinational republic.

Musa Musaev, Makhachkala, exclusively for VK.