Adgur Ardzinba Comments on Russia’s Mandarin Import Ban
Adgur Ardzinba, the head of the 'Abkhazian People's Movement' and a leader of the opposition political groups.
On 6 December 2024, Russia banned the import of mandarins from Abkhazia, citing alleged sanitary issues. Acting Prime Minister Valery Bganba criticised the decision, arguing that Abkhazian sanitary services refute claims of any harmful pest in the citrus fruit. He also questioned the timing of the ban, linking it to Abkhazia’s ongoing political situation and suggesting it would disproportionately affect the poorest segments of the population, who rely heavily on mandarin exports for their livelihood.
Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba shared his perspective on the ban, connecting it to internal political struggles and addressing its potential implications for the nation. Below is his full statement.
"The recent reports about a potential ban on the import of Abkhazian citrus fruits into Russia have caused confusion. For farmers and rural residents of Abkhazia, harvesting and selling mandarins remain a crucial source of income. Moreover, under the current sanctions, Abkhazian mandarins are a cherished symbol of the New Year celebrations for Russian citizens.
Several tonnes of produce were turned back at the border for a contrived reason. We promptly contacted our partners in the Russian Federation and received confirmation that there will be no ban on the import of Abkhazian citrus fruits. This information has been refuted by official sources.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear who benefits from spreading panic among the population. Former President Aslan Bzhania appears to be employing any means, including manipulating his own people, to destabilise the country and pursue his political agenda. His objective is to regain power for himself and his associates at any cost, even if it means creating artificial hardships for the very people he once vowed to protect.
We also recognise that such actions stem from a fear of impending change. With new leadership, not only will their "projects" come under scrutiny, but ill-gotten assets amassed at the expense of the state will also be at risk. Some may even face the prospect of criminal prosecution.
Everyone who acts against the interests of the people and the state must understand this: sooner or later, they will be held accountable."
Opposition media reports claim that former President Aslan Bzhania has called on Russia to impose sanctions on Abkhazia, including bans on citrus exports, electricity supplies, and all financial aid. Sources suggest that these measures are intended to destabilise Abkhazia and pave the way for Bzhania’s return to power.
Abkhazia's heavy reliance on Russian financial aid and trade stems directly from its international isolation. At the request of Georgia, Abkhazia has faced years of economic and diplomatic isolation, forcing it to depend almost entirely on Russia for financial support since 2008, following Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia’s independence.
It should be noted that in the 1990s, after the Georgian-Abkhazian war, the CIS imposed a blockade along Abkhazia's River Psou border with Russia. During this period, Boris Yeltsin's Russia, with Georgia, enforced strict sanctions on Abkhazia. These measures were only lifted after Vladimir Putin came to power. The relationship between Abkhazia and Russia remains complex, defined by a mix of dependency and defiance.