Protesters stormed the parliament of Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, on Friday, demanding the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. The unrest stems from widespread opposition to a controversial investment deal with Moscow, which critics fear could allow Russian elites to dominate Abkhazia’s property market.
Unrest in the Capital
In the capital city of Sukhumi, demonstrators used a truck to smash through the parliament’s gates and entered the building by removing metal bars from windows. Protesters also forced their way into the presidential administration offices housed in the same complex. Emergency services reported at least nine injuries requiring hospitalization.
Opposition leader Temur Gulia stated that initial demands focused on scrapping the investment agreement. However, frustration with the government has escalated, and protesters are now calling for Bzhania’s resignation.
President Bzhania Rejects Resignation
President Bzhania dismissed calls to step down, stating on Telegram, “I am staying in Abkhazia and continuing my work.” He urged citizens to avoid panic and emphasized that the government’s priority is restoring order after the unrest. Talks with opposition representatives had initially been initiated but were later broken off, according to opposition sources.
Bzhania, a former state security chief who assumed office in 2020, is reportedly in his home village of Tamysh. Opposition activist Akhra Bzhania dismissed the president’s statements, arguing that his leadership has “lost legitimacy.”
Russia’s Role in Abkhazia
Russia has expressed concern over the crisis and advised its citizens against traveling to Abkhazia. Since recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in 2008, following a brief war with Georgia, Moscow has maintained military bases and provided financial support to the region.
The investment deal at the center of the controversy has heightened tensions. Critics argue that it could open the door for wealthy Russians to acquire prime Black Sea properties, marginalizing local residents.
Opposition and Regional Dynamics
The opposition emphasized that their protests are not against Abkhazia’s relations with Russia but accused President Bzhania of exploiting these ties for personal gain. Opposition leader Eshsou Kakalia stated that protesters would not leave the government complex until the president resigns.
Olesya Vartanyan, an independent regional expert, described the crisis as the result of increasing Russian pressure on Abkhazia. “Russia provides financial support and expects concessions in return, like allowing property purchases for Russian citizens,” she explained.
If Bzhania steps down, he would become the third Abkhaz leader to be ousted since Russia recognized the region’s independence. Vartanyan noted that Moscow typically lets such crises unfold and then negotiates with the incoming leadership.
A Region in Turmoil
Despite Moscow’s recognition, most of the international community, including the United Nations, views Abkhazia as part of Georgia. The region has struggled with political instability and economic dependence on Russia since breaking away from Georgia in the early 1990s.
The opposition remains steadfast in its demand for change, accusing President Bzhania of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of Abkhazia’s people.
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