Following days of unrest involving clashes between police and opposition supporters, the leader of Abkhazia’s separatist government stepped down on Tuesday. The unrest began Friday when protesters, objecting to new legislation enabling Russian citizens to purchase property in the region, stormed government buildings and demanded the resignation of self-declared President Aslan Bzhania, who enjoys Russian support.
While Bzhania offered his resignation contingent on the protesters relinquishing control of the seized buildings, the opposition refused until his departure. According to Russian media, an agreement was reached Tuesday after over nine hours of negotiations, resulting in Bzhania’s resignation and the protesters vacating the occupied buildings.
Abkhazia’s parliament approved Bzhania’s resignation Tuesday afternoon, with Vice President Badra Gunba assuming the role of acting president. This follows a period of instability marked by injuries to at least 14 individuals during clashes with law enforcement.
Abkhazia, largely independent since the conclusion of hostilities in 1993, lost control of remaining territory after a brief war with Russia in 2008. Russia recognizes Abkhazia’s independence; however, concerns persist among some Abkhazians regarding the region’s dependence on Moscow. The region’s appeal to Russian tourists, particularly its mountainous terrain and Black Sea coastline, is driving strong demand for vacation homes.
Violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in at least 14 injuries, erupted on Friday during a planned parliamentary session focused on approving legislation allowing Russian citizens to acquire property. Demonstrators forced their way into the parliament building after using a truck to break down the gate. The protests were triggered, in part, by the arrest of five opposition figures during a similar demonstration the previous week, leading to road blockades in Sukhumi the following day.