"How Desperately One Must Seek to Ingratiate Oneself", by Elana Kortua
Elana Kortua
Psychologist, Lecturer at Abkhazian State University
"Divide and conquer"... This age-old strategy leads to political fragmentation and societal destabilisation. To implement it successfully, it's crucial to fuel hostility and hatred, segregating people into "us" versus "them".
Manipulation of concepts, strategic information planting, and speculation on sensitive issues are rampant in our society, eroding trust. Ironically, in combating what’s labeled as a "grave state issue of Abkhazia" — non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — individuals from diverse backgrounds unite, ranging from certain officials to members of the intelligentsia, despite their previous mutual aversions.
Now, they present a united front to "vanquish the enemy." Yet, those branded as “the enemy” are actually individuals who genuinely believe in the independence of Abkhazia, advocating for its interests on various fronts, working towards breaking its isolation, and fostering values of law, education, and social justice in society. In contrast, those who prioritise power, wealth, and 'rock-n-roll' are ironically touted as the epitome of virtue and patriotism. But we are not a populous nation ignorant of each other's capabilities, the price of one's integrity, and the true intentions behind those claiming to champion Abkhazia and its people.
+ Liana Kvarchelia: Respect to Those Who Dared to Defy the General Line
+ Thirty-Five Deputies Juggling with Us, by Vitaly Sharia
+ Arda Inal-ipa: "Ardzinba's Decisions Deepen Isolation of Abkhazia"
+ Russian Politicians: Protests in Abkhazia "Fueled from the Outside"
Currently, many, including myself, are labeled as "suspicious," accused of endorsing a "foreign" agenda.
How desperate must one be to resort to such extreme political tactics? This only serves to intensify societal tension. Then, employing these same tactics, the proponents of labelling twist the truth, cynically and baselessly accusing us (the civil society) of orchestrating "revolutions," harbouring "anti-Russian sentiments," engaging in conflict-inciting actions, and, bluntly, serving "foreign masters."
We have much to express and question those fabricating this defamatory narrative. Time will tell if the creators of the "list of Abkhazia's undesirables" will dare to stand accountable for their words in front of the civil activists and independent media.
I still hold onto the hope that justice will, in some way, triumph, and everyone will be held responsible for their actions and words. Our history reminds us that we must not divide ourselves into 'us' and 'them'.
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In response to the invitation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia (RA), public representatives have proposed holding an open meeting with the participation of the Minister at a time convenient for the Minister and his staff.
(The original letter with signatures was submitted on 28 December 2023, to the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia).
To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia,
On 26 December 2023, information was published on the Media Center Telegram channel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, from which we learned that representatives of civil organisations were invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia (RA). Despite the invitation being issued in an improper format, we are prepared to meet with the Minister and the staff of the Ministry at the earliest date and time you propose.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that we will be conducting audio and video recording for the purpose of informing the public about the outcomes of our meeting.
28 December 2023
Kama Argun, Azamat Bagatelia, Laura Benia, Arda Inal-ipa, Diana Kerselyan, Elena Kobakhia, Elana Kortua, Asida Lomiya, Elianora Turava, and others.