About the ETGE
The East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE), officially the Government in Exile of the Republic of East Turkistan, is the democratically elected representative body of East Turkistan and its people.
On December 22, 1949, the People’s Republic of China overthrew the independent East Turkistan Republic. This event led many East Turkistani leaders, including senior military and government officials, to seek refuge in the Soviet Union. Over the subsequent decades under Chinese occupation, various East Turkistani groups functioned in different capacities, striving to represent East Turkistan externally. However, none of these entities were able to establish themselves as an official government in exile, mainly due to the lack of a host nation.
The East Turkistan Government in Exile was officially established on September 14, 2004, in Washington, DC. This significant step was taken by prominent Uyghur, Kazakh, and other East Turkistani independence leaders. These leaders, representing over a dozen organizations from the East Turkistani/Uyghur diaspora, came together following the dissolution of the East Turkistan National Congress (ETNC).
The ETGE operates as a democratic entity with a representative Parliament. Its governance structure includes key positions such as the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker (Chair) of Parliament, and Deputy Speaker (Chair) of Parliament. These leaders are elected democratically by the Parliament members during the General Assembly, which consists of representatives from the East Turkistani diaspora worldwide.
The Prime Minister, with the approval of the President, the Speaker (Chair), and Deputy Speaker (Chair) of the Parliament, forms the Cabinet. Members of Parliament are elected by the East Turkistani diaspora communities in their respective host nations. Parliamentary elections are held every four years, with all members serving four-year terms and eligible for re-election.
The primary focus of the East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE) is on the restoration of independence for East Turkistan. In pursuit of this goal, the ETGE is dedicated to promoting human rights, religious freedom, and democracy for all people in East Turkistan and its diaspora. These objectives are at the core of the ETGE’s mission and guide its activities and initiatives.
In addition to its advocacy efforts, the ETGE maintains strong connections and collaborative relationships with most East Turkistani and Uyghur organizations globally. These alliances are crucial in coordinating efforts and strategies to achieve the shared goals of independence, human rights, religious freedom, and democratic governance in East Turkistan.
History
November 2023
Washington DC
ETGE's 9th General Assembly
The East Turkistan Government in Exile and its Parliament in Exile held its 9th General Assembly in Washington, DC from November 10-November 12, 2023. A new administration headed by President Mamtimin Ala, Vice President Sayragul Sauytbay, and Prime Minister Abdulahat Nur was elected to office.
November 2019
ETGE's 8th General Assembly
The East Turkistan Government in Exile and its Parliament in Exile held its 8th General Assembly in Washington, DC. A new administration headed by Prime Minister Salih Hudayar and President Ghulam Osman Yaghma was elected into office.
October 2018
ETGE's Extraordinary Meeting
The East Turkistan Government in Exile and its Parliament in Exile held an extraordinary meeting in Mugla, Turkey to impeach its then President Mr. Ahmatjan Osman for violating the Constitution and elected Mr. Ghulam Osman Yaghma in his place as the Acting President.
November 2015
ETGE's 7th General Assembly
The East Turkistan Government in Exile and its Parliament in Exile held its 7th General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan.
14 September 2004
Establishment of the ETGE
The East Turkistan Government in Exile was formally established, with its headquarters in Washington DC, to advocate for the restoration of East Turkistan's independence following the dissolution of the East Turkistan National Congress [Center].
October 1999
Splintering of the East Turkistan National Congress
The East Turkistan National Congress [Center] which had been established in 1992 relocates to Munich, Germany from Istanbul, Turkey and begins to splinter as some Uyghurs with historical ties to China became heavily involved in the organization and argued against independence and instead began to advocate for autonomy and human rights under China.
14 December 1992
Establishment of the East Turkistan National Congress
Leaders of the various East Turkistani organizations, including the East Turkistan National Committe, from across the world convened in Istanbul, Turkey to create a unified body to struggle for the restoration of East Turkistan's independence.
1969
United Revolutionary Front of East Turkistan
In 1969, military officers of the former East Turkistan Republic (1944-1949) established the United Revolutionary Front of East Turkistan in Almaty under the leadership of Yusupbek Mukhlisi of the East Turkistan National Committee (National Committee for Eastern Turkistan) to struggle to regain East Turkistan's independence.
1962
East Turkistan National Committee
Following a failed uprising in April 1962, over 60,000 Uyghurs and Kazakhs, including former East Turkistan Republic officials, flee to the Soviet Union. Former ETR officials establish the East Turkistan National Committee (National Committee for Eastern Turkistan) acting as a de-facto government in exile.
22 December 1949
Overthrowal of the East Turkistan Republic
On December 22, 1949 the East Turkistan Republic was formally overthrown by the People's Republic of China with the incorporation of the East Turkistan National Army into the PLA's 5th Army Corps.
Government Policy Statement
I. Introduction
In alignment with the enduring struggle for the restoration of East Turkistan’s independence, the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) presents this comprehensive policy statement. This document delineates our strategic vision, operational principles, and diplomatic endeavors, underscoring our commitment to the liberation, prosperity, and dignity of the people of East Turkistan.
II. Core Mission and Strategic Objectives
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Restoration of Sovereignty: Our foremost objective is the re-establishment of East Turkistan as a sovereign, democratic, and pluralistic Republic. This involves restoring the rights and freedoms of its citizens and upholding the rule of law, ensuring that East Turkistan regains its rightful status as an independent nation.
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End to Chinese Colonization, Genocide, and Occupation: The ETGE is resolutely committed to ending the colonization, genocide, and occupation of East Turkistan by the People’s Republic of China. We endeavor to bring international attention to these issues, mobilize support, and seek justice for the atrocities committed.
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Diplomatic Engagement and International Advocacy: We are dedicated to employing diplomatic channels and international advocacy within the framework of international law to advance the interests of East Turkistan and its people. Our strategy includes engaging with global stakeholders, influencing international policies, and garnering support for East Turkistan’s national cause.
III. Operational Tenets
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Stance on Terrorism and Extremism: The ETGE is not affiliated with, nor is it in contact with any jihadist or extremist groups, nor does it support such groups. Our approach advocates for resistance within the boundaries of international human rights, self-determination, and humanitarian law. We firmly oppose all forms of terrorism, including Chinese state-terrorism, and commit to a strategy that respects international norms and the dignity of our people.
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Building Global Alliances and Partnerships: We prioritize forming robust alliances with governments, international organizations, and civil society groups. These partnerships are essential for promoting understanding, support, and collaborative efforts for East Turkistan.
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Global Campaign for Recognition and Support: Our active campaign seeks global recognition of the China’s atrocities in East Turkistan as genocide and crimes against humanity. We urge the international community to recognize East Turkistan as an Occupied Country, supporting our right to external self-determination.
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Policy on Defense and Military Posture: While prioritizing diplomatic and legal avenues, we reserve the right to consider necessary measures for the defense and protection of our people, adhering strictly to international law and the principles of self-defense.
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One Enemy, One Goal Policy and Critical Engagement: The ETGE adheres to the strict policy of “One Enemy, One Goal.” Our sole enemy is the Chinese occupation forces, and our singular goal is the restoration of East Turkistan’s independence. Consequently, we do not view any country, government, or people, other than the Government of China and its forces, as hostile to East Turkistan and its people. However, as a responsible government, we will voice our criticism against any government, organization, or individual that undermines the welfare, rights, and interests of the East Turkistani people.
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IV. Conclusion
The East Turkistan Government in Exile reaffirms its dedication to East Turkistan’s freedom and independence. Our approach, guided by justice and human rights principles, encompasses legal, diplomatic, and defensive measures as needed to achieve our goals, always within the framework of international norms.