President Aslan Bzhania Agrees to Resign After Eight Hour Negotiations

SUKHUM / AQW’A — After nearly eight hours of intense negotiations between government and opposition representatives, President Aslan Bzhania has agreed to step down. The talks, held this evening at the Ministry of Defence, marked a final effort to resolve the political crisis that has engulfed Abkhazia in recent days.

The negotiations followed a 3-on-3 format, with the opposition represented by Leuan Mikaa, Kan Kvarchia, and Adgur Ardzinba, while the government team included Vice President Badra Gunba, Otar Khetsia, and David Pilia.

As part of the agreement, Bzhania will formally resign, and Vice President Gunba will assume the role of acting president. Protesters occupying the presidential office and surrounding government buildings in Sukhum are required to leave by November 19. If this condition is not met, Bzhania reserves the right to withdraw his resignation.

Key Points of the Resignation Agreement:

• Presidential Resignation: Aslan Bzhania will formally submit his resignation.
• Dispersal of Protesters: Protesters in and around the government complex must vacate the premises by November 19. If not, Bzhania’s resignation will be annulled.
• Parliamentary Review: The People’s Assembly (Parliament) of Abkhazia will consider Bzhania’s resignation on November 19.
• Interim Leadership: Vice President Badra Gunba will take over as acting president.
• Government Changes: Acting President Gunba will dismiss Prime Minister Ankvab and appoint Valery Bganba as the new Prime Minister. Current ministers will remain in office until a new president is elected.

Signatories:

• Badra Gunba, Vice President of the Republic of Abkhazia
• Lasha Ashuba, Speaker of the People’s Assembly,
• Otar Khetsia, Chairman of the State Customs Committee,
• Adgur Ardzinba, Chairman of the "Abkhaz People's Movement,"
• Kan Kvarchia, Member of the People’s Assembly
• Leuan Mikaa, Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Sovereignty

The agreement follows days of unrest that began on 15 November, sparked by a proposed Russian-Abkhazian “investment agreement” widely criticised for jeopardising local businesses and national security. What started as opposition to the deal quickly grew into a broader movement demanding Bzhania’s resignation.

Protesters stormed the presidential office in Sukhum, uncovering documents that exacerbated public anger. The records allegedly revealed extravagant government spending on luxury banquets, vehicles, and travel, alongside policies seen as prioritising foreign interests over national sovereignty.

Earlier today, demonstrators gathered outside the presidential office awaiting updates from their representatives at the Ministry of Defence. Their demands were resolute: Bzhania must resign.

Opposition and government representatives met in a 3+3 format to address Abkhazia's political crisis.

This evening’s agreement has addressed some of those demands, but the path ahead remains uncertain. With Bzhania’s departure and the power transition underway, the coming days will determine whether this marks a step toward stability or opens a new chapter of political turbulence in Abkhazia.

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