In Sukhumi, the main city of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia, significant protests have erupted in response to a controversial investment agreement between the de facto Abkhaz authorities and Moscow. Demonstrators argue that the proposed deal would hand Russia disproportionate control over Abkhazian resources, threatening local autonomy and diminishing the region’s self-determination.
The protests began outside the Abkhaz “parliament,” where a large crowd gathered to express concerns over the agreement, alleging it would grant Russia extensive economic privileges in Abkhazia. Regional news outlets, including SOVA and Echo of the Caucasus, report that demonstrators view the deal as another step toward undermining Abkhazia’s autonomy, with Moscow increasingly directing both economic and political decisions in the occupied region.
The situation escalated when the parliamentary session to discuss the agreement was delayed, prompting demonstrators to demand an immediate vote to reject the deal. Tensions mounted as protesters reportedly breached sections of the fence surrounding the legislative building, advancing toward the premises. Videos circulating on local Telegram channels depict confrontations between protesters and security personnel as anger intensified.
Eyewitnesses report that protesters threw eggs and bottles at security forces and attempted to block official vehicles, aiming to disrupt law enforcement responses. In turn, security forces deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds as the situation grew more volatile.
As the protests continued, demonstrators reportedly seized key government buildings, including the offices of the President and the Cabinet. This escalation follows days of opposition to the Russian-backed investment proposal, which Abkhaz opposition leaders claim would give Russian companies extensive control over the region’s economy. Notably, some local security forces are said to have joined the demonstrators, adding a new layer of tension between the Abkhaz authorities and factions opposing Russian influence.
At the core of the unrest is the fear that the proposed investment deal effectively transfers substantial control of Abkhazia’s economy to Russian interests. Opposition leaders contend that President Aslan Bzhania’s support for the agreement serves his own interests rather than those of the region. While frustrations are largely directed at Bzhania, protesters have refrained from openly criticising Moscow, focusing their discontent on local leadership rather than the Kremlin.
Symbolically, the demonstrators raised both Russian and Abkhaz flags over the seized buildings, echoing scenes from previous protests in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These actions reveal a political paradox: many Abkhazians oppose what they perceive as an ongoing Russian encroachment but are reluctant to challenge Moscow’s influence directly. Instead, protesters portray their grievances as primarily directed at the local authorities.
This resistance is not unprecedented. Despite Russia’s formal recognition of Abkhaz independence, Moscow has repeatedly intervened in Abkhaz politics and economics, leading some observers to liken Abkhazia’s status to that of a Russian colony. Tensions have been especially high since the 2004 election of President Sergey Bagapsh, who defeated a Kremlin-backed candidate. In response, Russia imposed a blockade that cut off access to its markets for Abkhaz agricultural exports, a critical income source for many families in the region.
Moscow has routinely interfered in Abkhazia’s internal affairs, particularly during elections, by endorsing preferred candidates and sidelining local leaders not aligned with Russian interests. When Abkhazians elect leaders without Kremlin backing, Moscow applies economic and political pressure to reassert its influence, complicating efforts by Abkhazia’s leadership to retain any autonomy.
The current situation reflects a broader trend in Moscow’s approach to regions it considers within its influence, such as South Ossetia. In these areas, Russia’s hold on power continues to strengthen, leaving local elites with minimal control. Although Abkhazia formally maintains its independence, its self-governance capabilities are increasingly constrained by Russian involvement in significant policy decisions.
Despite these pressures, opposition within Abkhaz society remains resilient. Many local leaders and citizens continue to resist overt integration into Russia, though they often avoid directly criticising Moscow due to political sensitivities and fear of reprisal. Instead, Abkhaz critics frame their opposition in terms of local sovereignty and resistance to individual government figures, avoiding direct confrontations with Russia.
Historically, Moscow has used Abkhaz fears of cultural and ethnic erosion to entrench its influence. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the Kremlin capitalised on Abkhaz concerns over becoming a minority in their own territory. These anxieties were key in the region’s decision to break away from Georgia, with Russian military support playing a significant role. The outcome included extensive demographic changes, notably the displacement of ethnic Georgians from Abkhazia—a move international observers have described as ethnic cleansing. While the Georgian population decreased, new migration from Russia has raised fresh concerns over the future of the Abkhaz identity.
Currently, Russia appears intent on eroding any remaining autonomy in Abkhazia. Moscow’s aim to formally incorporate Abkhazia remains on hold due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet the Kremlin’s long-term plans for the region remain apparent. Russia continues to pursue incremental steps toward full control, fuelling unease among Abkhazians about their future.
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