Mass Protest in Abkhazia: Key Events of November 15

SUKHUM / AQW’A —  On the morning of November 15, widespread protests erupted in Abkhazia over a proposed Russian-Abkhazian "investment agreement" which many believe poses a significant threat to local businesses and the republic’s security. However, this was seen as just the latest reflection of President Aslan Bzhania and his administration’s disregard for public demands and their continuation of controversial and allegedly corrupt policies. Previously, the Abkhazian Parliament withdrew the controversial “apartment law” to "ease tensions and maintain stability," following widespread public opposition and backlash.

In light of today’s unrest, the parliamentary session, originally scheduled to ratify the contentious deal, was cancelled. Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament, calling for the agreement’s outright rejection and removal from the legislative agenda.

Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba urged the government to defer all contentious matters until after the upcoming presidential elections, warning that any negative consequences of ignoring these demands would fall squarely on President Bzhania and his inner circle. Parliamentary Speaker Lasha Ashuba later stated that the volatile atmosphere had made it impossible for deputies to proceed with legislative discussions.

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➖Morning: Thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament as it prepared to discuss the controversial Russian-Abkhazian investment agreement. Opponents claim the deal threatens local businesses and national security.

➖ Security Measures: Authorities deployed equipment to block the city centre, but the growing crowd broke through the fence surrounding the government complex and began attempting to storm government buildings.

➖ Escalation: Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators continued to press forward, eventually surrounding the government building complex.

➖ Negotiations Begin: High-ranking officials, including the Minister of Internal Affairs and the head of the State Security Service, arrived to negotiate with the protesters.

➖ Government Response: The presidential administration announced it was preparing to withdraw the investment agreement in response to public outcry.

➖ Protesters Take Action: Demonstrators entered the parliament building and the main hall of the presidential administration, refusing to leave until President Aslan Bzhania resigned.

➖ Opposition Accusations: Opposition leaders accused President Bzhania of misleading Moscow by framing the protests as anti-Russian, a claim they deny.

➖ A Call to the Security Forces: In his statement, opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba appealed to the security forces, urging them to act with wisdom and restraint and avoid being "used as instruments." He reminded them: "Remember, your oath was not to the president, not to Aslan Bzhania or his oligarchs, but to our Motherland. Your loyalty must be directed toward protecting the interests of the country and its people, not serving a narrow group willing to sacrifice the common good for their own gain."

Adgur Ardzinba Addresses the Citizens of Abkhazia

The government’s harsh and unreasonable actions, exemplified by the brutal detention of our fellow activists, have significantly worsened the socio-political situation in our country.

We stand firm in our proposal: we urge the authorities to defer all contentious issues that divide the people and provoke unrest until after the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled in the next few months.

If the authorities refuse to do this, full responsibility for any consequences in the coming days will lie squarely with President Aslan Bzhania and his inner circle.

We also appeal to the security forces to act with wisdom and restraint. Do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of a government driven by personal enrichment at the expense of the people. Remember, your oath was not to the president, nor to Aslan Bzhania and his oligarchs, but to our Motherland. Your loyalty should focus on protecting the interests of the country and its citizens, not serving a small group willing to jeopardize the common good for their own gain.

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➖ Public Frustration: Protesters removed Aslan Bzhania's nameplate from the parliament building and placed it among the garbage.

➖ Calls for Resignation: Opposition representatives issued an ultimatum, demanding the president resign and proposing interim leadership to oversee early elections.

➖ Russian Foreign Ministry’s Position: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticised the opposition for escalating the conflict outside legal frameworks and warned that such instability deters foreign investment. She emphasised that Russia is not interfering but hopes for a peaceful resolution.

➖ Russia Urges Tourists to Avoid Abkhazia: The Russian Foreign Ministry has advised against travel to Abkhazia and urged those already in the region to leave. The Russian Embassy in Sukhum cautioned tourists to steer clear of large gatherings, while the Ministry of Economic Development recommended suspending tour sales and waiving cancellation penalties. Around 8,000 Russian tourists remain in Abkhazia, with over half traveling independently, according to ATOR.

➖ Western Media’s Misjudgment on Abkhazia: As expected, the lack of knowledge, inaccuracies, and completely misguided predictions (or rather, lack of foresight) by many Western media outlets, journalists, and commentators regarding Abkhazia and the ongoing events in the region come as no surprise.

➖ Clueless Solidarity from Georgia: Apparently oblivious (or perhaps just pretending) to the fact that the Abkhaz people dislike her and her country just as much as they do Bzhania, Georgian President Salome Zourabishvili has expressed her "solidarity" with the protesters in Abkhazia. How thoughtful!

➖ Presidential Defiance: Despite mounting pressure, Aslan Bzhania has rejected opposition demands for his resignation and left the capital, Sukhum. Bzhania stated: "I will remain in Abkhazia and will continue working as before."

➖ Current Location of the President: According to his press service, the president is currently in his native village of Tamish.

➖ Call for Dialogue: The Public Chamber of Abkhazia has urged all parties involved to "resume the normal functioning of state institutions and establish a political dialogue."

➖ Opposition Ends Negotiations: Opposition MP Kan Kvarchia announced that talks with the authorities have been halted, and the opposition now intends to "strengthen its position."

➖ Proposal for Interim Leadership: Kvarchia stated that the opposition has suggested Bzhania appoint a prime minister to serve as acting president until the elections can be organised. With only a few months remaining in Bzhania's term, the presidential elections were originally planned for spring 2025.

➖ Coordination Council Formed: Representatives of the opposition and public organisations have established a coordination council to negotiate with the authorities and seek solutions to the ongoing political crisis.

For real-time updates and further insights, follow AbkhazWorld on X (Twitter) and Facebook. Stay informed as this critical story develops.