Abkhazian Civil Society Calls for Foreign Minister's Resignation

SUKHUM / AQW’A — Civil society organisations across Abkhazia have united in demanding the resignation of Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba, citing concerns over his handling of recent sanctions imposed by Russian authorities against Abkhaz citizens.

The controversy stems from a series of measures taken by Russian authorities that have affected several Abkhaz nationals. Opposition figures Leuan Mikaa and Kan Kvarchia have had their Russian citizenship revoked, whilst journalists Inal Khashig, Izida Chania, and Nizfa Arshba have been designated as "foreign agents" by the Russian Ministry of Justice. Additionally, there have been reports of Abkhaz repatriates from Turkey being deported from Russia.

The "Aamta" foundation, led by Natalie Smyr, expressed grave concerns that these developments potentially undermine Abkhazia's sovereignty. In a strongly-worded statement, the organisation called upon Acting President Badra Gunba to "take decisive measures, including the dismissal of Foreign Minister Sergey Shamba," whom they claim "has failed to fulfil his responsibilities." The foundation also urged Parliament Speaker Lasha Ashuba to initiate a parliamentary investigation into these incidents and provide a legal assessment of the situation.

"Only through such actions can we restore citizens' trust in the government and safeguard our country's sovereignty," the foundation's statement emphasised.

The public organisation "Akhyatsa," headed by Akhra Bzhania, characterised the sanctions as "unfair" and "contrived," suggesting they are detrimental to Russian-Abkhaz relations. The organisation expressed concern over "the Abkhaz authorities' silence on the matter," noting that it is "their direct duty to protect the rights and interests of their citizens and resolve misunderstandings between Russia and Abkhazia that could lead to tensions between friendly nations."

Particularly vocal in its criticism was the "Committee for the Protection of Abkhazia's Sovereignty," led by Leuan Mikaa, which highlighted the case of Nizfa Arshba as especially concerning. "She holds only Abkhaz citizenship, not Russian citizenship. Therefore, only the Abkhaz state can and must protect her. However, this is not happening. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to remain silent, whilst the Presidential Administration avoids taking a clear position. This silence is not neutrality, it is political negligence," the Committee stated.

The Committee further noted the asymmetrical nature of Russian-Abkhaz relations, describing Russia as "a global power with broad foreign policy flexibility" whilst Abkhazia is "a country that must navigate its political decisions carefully." They expressed confidence that Russian policy towards Abkhaz citizens would eventually change, as it did following the blockade of the 1990s, but warned that "the damage to Abkhazia's interests caused by the actions or inaction of its own executive branch has already occurred, and its consequences will be difficult to remedy."

The Committee cautioned that if the situation continues to be ignored, it could lead to "serious political instability affecting the governance system."

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The call for Shamba's resignation has gained additional support from the "Aidgylara" organisation, led by Kan Kvarchia, and the "Forum of National Unity of Abkhazia" party, chaired by Aslan Bartsits.

Ruslan Khashig, Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia, has also joined the calls for action, urging his colleagues who have been designated as "foreign agents" to contest this status in Russian courts. "I fully recognise the complexity of the forthcoming process, but consider it vitally important, as challenging the foreign agent status simultaneously represents a defence of one's rights and a struggle for freedom of expression. The Union of Journalists of Abkhazia intends to provide you with all possible assistance and guarantees its solidarity," Khashig stated in his address to the affected journalists.