Last week, things that hadn’t happened in Abkhazia for a very long time suddenly started happening. Even the power cuts that Bzhania couldn’t fix in five years were miraculously resolved. No more blackouts in Abkhazia! Pensions have been paid, Russia has provided financial aid, and, wait for it, even the long-abandoned Sukhum Airport was instantly declared “ready” for use, allowing for a test flight from Moscow to Sukhum.
And who was on this ‘historic’ flight? None other than the president himself—Badra Gunba. Fresh from his visit to Moscow, where president Gunba met with Russian officials: Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. President Gunba descended from the skies, bringing solutions to all of Abkhazia’s woes.
Yes, with just one week left until the elections, presidential candidate Gunba has been making visits like a president, attending ceremonies like a president, and receiving the attention of both Abkhaz state media and Russian media, who have been covering his statements as if he were already the president.
Until the elections and their results, of course. Happy time of elections…
Welcome to the 6th edition of Abkhazia Weekly Brief. Let’s take a look at what happened this week.
On 7 February, a ‘test’ flight from Moscow landed at Sukhum airport, the first in over 30 years. But rather than a genuine milestone, the event was orchestrated as a propaganda stunt for Kremlin-backed presidential candidate Badra Gunba.
The state news agency ApsnyPress, along with Russian outlets SputnikAbkhazia and RT, eagerly amplified Gunba’s presence at the event. Only he and his statements were mentioned, as if he was the one who led Abkhazia or was behind this project.
Meanwhile, this election propaganda was carried out so hastily that Svetlana Dzhergenia, widow of the late Vladislav Ardzinba, the first President of the Republic of Abkhazia, after whom the airport is named, was not even invited to the event!
Read our commentary: ”Badra Gunba’s Special Test Flight: A 'Masterclass' in Election Propaganda”
During a meeting with Badra Gunba, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that the previously proposed investment agreement between Russia and Abkhazia "will not be implemented in its original form." He assured that a revised version would ensure a "balance of mutual interests, including for Abkhazia’s population and businesses."
Gunba, in turn, reaffirmed his commitment to attracting Russian investment, stating that over 25 billion roubles [250 million USD] have been invested in Abkhazia’s economy in recent years and that further favourable conditions would be created.
Public and political organisations have raised concerns over presidential candidate Badra Gunba’s dealings in Moscow, questioning “by what right” he negotiates on behalf of Abkhazia.
The CEC chairman, Dmitry Marshan noted that while Russia considers this a state visit, for Abkhazia, Badra Gunba is currently only a candidate for the presidency. He does not hold any official status and, therefore, cannot act as a government representative. Marshan promised to assess the legal implications of Gunba’s actions and determine whether there was a direct violation of electoral law. "If he assumed obligations or signed any documents, then from a legal standpoint, he had no right to do so," Marshan stated.
Meanwhile, acting President Valery Bganba issued a statement emphasising that Badra Gunba’s meetings with Russian officials constitute a direct violation of the country’s laws.
Respublica Telegram channel, mocking Badra Gunba’s Moscow meetings, a satirical post claimed he had even met with Donald Trump and pledged to help the U.S. regain control over the Panama Canal.
The channel added: “Setting humour aside, the real question remains: on what basis is Gunba acting as if he is already Abkhazia’s president? Why is he holding high-level meetings in Moscow, making promises he has no authority to fulfil? Has the election result been decided without the people, or has the CEC already announced the outcome? Critics argue that Gunba is merely continuing Aslan Bzhania’s legacy—ignoring public opinion and disregarding Abkhazia’s laws and traditions.”
See also: KharaKhpitsunda: “2025 Election Process Cannot Be Considered Fair”
“The first flight to Sukhum carried one of the presidential candidates. In accordance with the principles of Apsuara [Abkhazian etiquette], it would have been appropriate to invite all presidential candidates, along with members of parliament, the Council of Elders, and the Acting President, to welcome this milestone at Sukhum Airport. We would have gladly shared in this moment of joy together! Unfortunately, this did not happen. I believe that all of us, especially those aspiring to the highest office in the country, should strive to unite the people. It would have been a far more dignified and symbolic gesture if we had celebrated this event together.
In any case, I congratulate you all! Let’s hope that the airport begins full operations within the promised timeframe.”
The campaign headquarters of presidential candidate Adgur Ardzinba has criticised Badra Gunba’s negotiations with Russian officials, calling them “an attempt to mislead voters.”
In a statement, Ardzinba’s team emphasised that Gunba “holds no official status beyond being a candidate” and has no authority to speak on behalf of Abkhazia. His actions, they argue, aim to create the illusion of legitimacy in relations with Moscow without any formal mandate. The statement calls on political forces and the Central Election Commission to take action, stressing that foreign policy must be handled solely by authorised representatives. The campaign also reaffirmed its commitment to Abkhazia’s strategic partnership with Russia, warning against “political ambitions undermining official state mechanisms.”
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Respublica Telegram Channel: “According to our sources, the main sponsor of Badra Gunba’s election campaign is Alexander Tkachov. The funding involved reportedly amounts to hundreds of millions of roubles.”
The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Abkhazia has confirmed that all 152 polling stations are operational, with voter lists displayed. As of 5 February, around 135,000 people are registered. Three polling stations will be available for citizens abroad—two in Russia (Moscow and Cherkessk) and one in Sakarya, Türkiye.
CEC Chairman Dmitry Marshan reiterated that proxy voting certificates have been abolished and confirmed that each candidate can appoint up to 10 authorised representatives and three observers per polling station.
To win in the first round, a candidate must secure over 50% of the votes. In a runoff, the winner must outpoll both their opponent and the “Against All Candidates” option combined. Marshan emphasised that the CEC will strictly adhere to legal procedures, rejecting any informal agreements.
Before CEC’s decision, the Public Chamber of Abkhazia was proposed eliminating the “Against All” option from the second-round ballot.
See: Debate Intensifies Over the “Against All” Option in Abkhazia’s Presidential Elections
Abkhazian MP Levon Galustyan has dismissed concerns over external interference in the country’s elections, calling all registered candidates "patriotic citizens" dedicated to Abkhazia’s future. In an interview with a Russian-Armenian media outlet, he criticised claims of foreign meddling, particularly suggestions of pro-Turkish influence. “I would not advise anyone to search for a black cat in a dark room,” he remarked.
Galustyan, a member of the Council of the Republican Armenian Community of Abkhazia, also confirmed that no formal appeal had been made to Armenian authorities regarding Abkhazia’s political affairs. Expressing his personal support for Adgur Ardzinba, he reiterated his belief in the integrity of all candidates.
Presidential candidate Adgur Ardzinba has introduced a draft presidential decree outlining key priorities for the government in the short term, calling it a “roadmap” for the country's leadership in its first year. “It includes specific quantitative and qualitative targets that must be achieved within the first year of work,” Ardzinba stated.
The proposed decree directs the government to focus on three key areas:
State economic policy – a list of urgent measures to strengthen the economy.
State social policy – initiatives aimed at improving social welfare.
State governance – reforms to enhance administrative efficiency.
The full presentation of Adgur Ardzinba and vice-presidential candidate Alkhas Dzhindzhal’s programme: [https://ardzinba2025.info]
The online publication ApsnyKhabar analysed a televised debate featuring presidential candidates and concluded that state media’s attempt to favour Badra Gunba only harmed his campaign.
“During the three-hour programme, Abkhazian television created a comfortable platform for Gunba while challenging opposition candidate Adgur Ardzinba. However, the result was counterproductive, Gunba appeared weak, unprepared, and superficial. His only noticeable advantage was a stronger command of the Abkhaz language compared to his rivals.”
“The debate also sparked controversy due to provocative questions from state-aligned journalists. A pointed inquiry about the candidates’ children and their schools, seemingly aimed at Adgur Ardzinba, backfired when it forced Robert Arshba to speak about his late son, an emotionally distressing moment for viewers. The incident underscored the need for ethical standards in political journalism.”
A briefing on Abkhazia’s political situation and presidential election process took place in Sukhum, bringing together representatives from multiple political parties and public organisations.
During the event, Temur Gulia, Chairman of Aruaa, criticised the government’s overt promotion of its preferred candidate, stating:
“For the first time in Abkhazia’s history, a pro-government candidate is being so aggressively highlighted. Yet, under Abkhazian law, a candidate loses all official powers during the election campaign and has no right to negotiate on behalf of the state and the people.”
Garri Kokaya, head of the Aamta Expert Fund, stated that a politician should rely not on the backing of Russian officials but on the support of the Abkhazian people.
Presidential candidate Oleg Bartsits, speaking at a meeting with voters, criticised the lack of equal conditions in the electoral process and expressed hope that the Central Election Commission would investigate this unfair advantage. "Engaging with Russian officials is great, but what does a presidential candidate have to do with it?" he asked.
Another presidential candidate, Robert Arshba, expressed bewilderment at Russian officials openly running a PR campaign for Badra Gunba.
Vianor Ashba, Chairman of the Aiaaira Veterans and Citizens Association and Hero of Abkhazia, criticised Badra Gunba for seeking external backing, calling it “a blatant violation of the Abkhazian constitution.”
“Our entire organisation is outraged by the actions of one of the presidential candidates, Badra Gunba, yesterday. This is a blatant violation of the constitution of our Abkhazian people.”
“A person who has not found support among his own people is now seeking it in another country.”
— Vianor Ashba
A resident of Achandara has voiced frustration over the lack of attention from presidential candidate Badra Gunba to their village.
“In the past five years, I’ve never heard of Gunba visiting Achandara, meeting the people, or addressing our needs," the resident stated, highlighting issues like damaged infrastructure, a school in need of repair, and roads plagued by landslides, all of which locals have had to fix themselves. The resident concluded with a pointed question: “Has he even helped fill a single pothole in Achandara? How beautifully he talks, though.”
Recently, we received the sad news of the passing of German diplomat Dieter Boden, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the settlement of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict.
Dieter Boden was not only a distinguished diplomat but also a valued contributor to AbkhazWorld.com. He provided insightful commentary and authored several articles dedicated to Abkhazia. Additionally, he was one of the contributors to the book Abkhazia: 1992-2022, published by AbkhazWorld, with his article titled Negotiating a UN Peace-Deal between the Abkhazians and the Georgians – the Failed Initiative of 2001/2.
AbkhazWorld extends its deepest condolences to Dieter Boden’s family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to the understanding of Abkhazia’s history and diplomacy will be remembered with great respect.
In 2012, the Georgian government was declared Dieter Boden a persona non grata and an enemy of their statehood, restricting any official cooperation with him.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Sergey Shamba, shared his memories of him with. This interview was first published by ApsnyPress and has been translated into English by AbkhazWorld.
+ Remembering Dieter Boden: A Diplomat with a Deep Understanding of Abkhazia — Interview with Sergey Shamba, the Foreign Minister of Abkhazia
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