Abkhazia’s Political Crisis Deepens Amid Protests and Counterclaims

SUKHUM / AQW’A — The Republic of Abkhazia witnessed a day of high political drama as protests intensified, with the opposition and President Aslan Bzhania presenting conflicting strategies for resolving the crisis. Amid mounting tensions, both sides called for action, but a resolution remains elusive.

Opposition Calls for Mass Protest at Parliament

The Coordination Council of Abkhazia, the opposition's leadership body, began the day with a strong call to action, urging citizens to gather outside the Parliament at 2:00 PM. Their statement accused President Aslan Bzhania of clinging to power despite losing the public’s trust.

"These events are a natural response from society to Bzhania’s anti-popular policies, which have served only to enrich his relatives and a small circle of close associates," the council stated. They pledged that essential government services would remain operational despite the turmoil.

Leuan Mikaa, a prominent opposition figure, emphasised that state institutions were functioning normally, with some agencies now coordinating their activities directly with the opposition. Mikaa accused Bzhania of attempting to provoke unrest, a claim that added to the day's charged atmosphere.

Ardzinba: "Desperate Attempts to Cling to Power"

A significant development unfolded at the Presidential Administration building, where the opposition held a meeting with members of Abkhazia’s intelligentsia. Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the "Abkhaz People's Movement," declared that Bzhania’s attempts to retain power were futile.

"These are the last desperate attempts to cling to power," Ardzinba said, adding that the president’s resignation was the only path to stabilisation.

At the same meeting, opposition figure Alkhas Dzhindzholia addressed the gathering with a unifying message: "Brothers, friends, we have freed this country from one man, a dishonourable individual. The rest are not our enemies unless they choose to be. Let us demand his resignation together."

Dzhindzholia also commended the security forces for their restraint during the unrest, contrasting the chaos of recent events with what could have escalated further.

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Bzhania Expresses Willingness to Resign, Sets Conditions

Meanwhile, President Aslan Bzhania addressed his supporters in the village of Tamish, reaffirming his readiness to resign but with significant conditions. He insisted that protesters must first vacate the government complex in Sukhum before he steps down.

"I am the constitutionally recognised president of Abkhazia, and I remain within the country. The events of 2014 will not be repeated," Bzhania stated, referring to earlier political upheavals.

The president further indicated his intent to participate in the upcoming elections, framing his resignation as contingent on the restoration of constitutional order. "Let the truth be decided by the people’s will," he declared.

Bzhania’s Cabinet Meeting and Claims of Stability

In parallel, President Bzhania convened a Cabinet meeting, reportedly held at a school in Tamish, to address the ongoing crisis. The president insisted that, aside from the occupied government complex, the rest of the country remained under legitimate control.

"The situation will be stabilised, and we will restore everything to legal order," he stated.

Reports from department heads affirmed the continued functioning of state institutions:

• The Minister of Health assured that medical facilities were operating normally.
• The Minister of Energy confirmed stable energy supplies and progress on reopening Sukhum airport.
• The Finance Minister reported compliance with all financial obligations.

Despite these assurances, the opposition remains steadfast in demanding Bzhania’s immediate and unconditional resignation.

With no resolution in sight, the political crisis continues to grip the Republic of Abkhazia, leaving its future direction uncertain. Both sides are calling for decisive action, but the coming days will determine whether the nation can navigate this crisis peacefully or if deeper divisions will prevail.