The Unforgotten War: 32 Years Since Georgia's Invasion of Abkhazia
Tengiz Kitovani, Minister of Defence of Georgia, in Sukhum, Abkhazia (15 August 1992).
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Today, 14 August 2024, marks 32 years since Georgia unleashed its war of aggression against the Abkhazians. On 14 August 1992, Georgian troops led by Tengiz Kitovani entered Abkhazia with tanks and combat helicopters, sparking a 13-month war.
Years later, in the documentary "Absence of Will," Eduard Shevardnadze reflected on this decision, saying, "Defence Minister Kitovani should never have sent troops to Sukhum. That was our biggest mistake."
The war ended on 30 September 1993, with an Abkhazian victory. However, like all wars, this triumph was overshadowed by immense tragedy. Thousands perished on both sides, with every Abkhazian family losing at least one member. The Abkhazians lost 4% of their population (in Abkhazia) during the war—equivalent to 12 million in terms of the U.S. population.
In the war's aftermath, Abkhazia faced an embargo by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), led by Russia and Georgia. Georgia attempted several times to reclaim Abkhazia by force, but without success.
Years of conflict have left Abkhazians distrustful of Georgians and wary of the West, which has largely ignored their perspective while supporting Georgia. In a 1993 speech in London, Abkhazian historian Stanislav Lakoba described Abkhazia as being "between hammer and anvil." This aptly characterises Abkhazia's ongoing position between Russia and Georgia.
14 August 1992, Georgian troops entering Abkhazia with tanks and combat helicopters. (Georgian TV Report)
Even after 32 years, the tragedy, history, and even the very ethnic existence of the Abkhazian people are still denied and distorted by the Georgian majority. In response, we remain steadfast in our position. Just as we won the war imposed on us 32 years ago, we will also win this struggle. Once again, we honour all those who sacrificed their lives for this cause, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our diaspora, our brothers and sisters from the North Caucasus, and the citizens of Abkhazia from diverse ethnic backgrounds who came to our aid.