Umarov's temporary resignation as "Imarat Kavkaz" leader could be caused by health problems

The last week's information of separatists about Dokku Umarov's voluntary resignation from the post of Amir of the "Imarat Kavkaz", founded by him in 2007, and the same unexpected statement about his return to the post are actively discussed in Chechnya.

Some experts believe that both events had a rather long time gap, and Umarov's state of health could be the reason of his self-resignation.

"When Umarov declared his resignation, only two persons were close to him - Aslambek Vadalov, named by Umarov to be the new 'Amir', and the Arabian field commander Mukhannad. Then, the 'Amir of Kavkaz' himself looked seriously sick and a bit inadequate. But in the video, where he refuted his former statement, Umarov looked and spoke much better. It can't be of course excluded that both his resignation and return to the post were caused by the pressure of his companions, but his health problems also played not the last role here," the head of one of Chechens NGOs believes.

Another local observer has noted that the videos with participation of Umarov were made at various times. "In the first report, where Umarov announced his intention to retire, we see faded grass and absence of greenery. That is, most likely, the video was made in early spring. It was then, under available data, that Dokku Umarov was poisoned and had serious health problems. I don't exclude that then Umarov was really afraid of his possible death; therefore, he announced his resignation and Aslambek Vadalov as his successor," he believes.

"The second record already shows some greenery, which is an indirect indication that Umarov made the second statement more recently," the expert has emphasized and expressed his opinion that the tactics and strategy of the armed underground would not essentially change in the near future, since Umarov remains the leader of North-Caucasian militants.