Aslan Bzhania, the de facto president of Georgia’s Russian occupied Abkhazia region, on Tuesday announced his resignation following days of opposition-led protests. De facto Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab has also stepped down.
Citing the need to “maintain stability and constitutional order,” Bzhania confirmed his decision in a statement released after lengthy negotiations between the de facto government officials and opposition leaders. The resignation agreement stipulates that protesters gathered around government buildings will disperse later on Tuesday.
The de facto parliament is set to deliberate on Bzhania’s resignation on Tuesday. In the interim, Vice President Badra Gunba will assume presidential duties, while Valery Bganba will take on the role of de facto Prime Minister.
Protests erupted on November 15 over a controversial Russian-Abkhazian “investment agreement.” Demonstrators breached government premises, occupying the de facto parliament and presidential administration. In response, the parliament suspended discussions on ratifying the agreement, and Bzhania’s office announced its withdrawal.
This marks the third resignation of a de facto leader in occupied Abkhazia since 2014, with Alexander Ankvab stepping down in June 2014 and Raul Khajimba resigning in January 2020.
