Kan Kvarchia, a Member of Parliament in Abkhazia and a veteran of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia [Georgian-Abkhazian War of 1992-93], has been stripped of his Russian citizenship. He received the official document confirming this decision yesterday. Kan Kvarchia played a key role in the November 2024 protests against controversial Russian-Abkhaz so-called 'investment agreement,' a movement that ultimately led to Aslan Bzhania’s resignation and early elections. He is now the third [Leuan Mikaa & Tayfun Ardzinba] Abkhaz citizen to lose Russian citizenship due to political beliefs, the defence of national interests, and an active civic stance.
Acting President of Abkhazia, Valery Bganba, has signed a decree relieving Dmitry Kuchuberiya from his position as Chairman of the State Security Service (SGB). The responsibilities of the SGB head have been temporarily assigned to Alkhaz Chichba, the current deputy chairman.
Zurab Margania has been appointed Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Abkhazia by presidential decree. He will oversee the republic's security sector.
Acting President of Abkhazia, Valery Bganba, highlighted the critical role of the State Security Service (SGB), noting concerns about unidentified individuals currently present in the country and their unknown activities. He stated that the appointment of Zurab Margania as Deputy Prime Minister was driven by the need to strengthen law enforcement efforts and ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming elections.
Badra Gunba's campaign headquarters has raised concerns that recent appointments violate the agreement reached after the events of 15 November. Commenting on the situation, acting President Valery Bganba noted, “To be honest, I haven’t seen this agreement signed on paper. Some say one thing, others another.” He further explained that the State Security Service (SGB) operates independently of the government and reports directly to the president.
Following Abkhazia's presidential election on 15 February 2025, where neither candidate secured an outright majority, the republic is heading for a second-round runoff on 1 March. The first round saw Badra Gunba receiving 46.38% of the votes and Adgur Ardzinba securing 36.92%.
After the first round, Sergey Markedonov and Izida Chania analysed the election. You can read the English translations of their articles on the AW website.
+ A Postponed Game and Pressing Questions, by Sergey Markedonov
+ The Second Round and Russia’s Image Losses, by Izida Chania
Adgur Ardzinba has called on Abkhazia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Shamba, to take measures to protect the rights and interests of Abkhaz citizens following recent border incidents. On 15 February 2025, Baras Kudzhba, a talented young musician and graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, was denied entry to Russia without explanation and issued a deportation order with a 10-year entry ban. A similar measure affected Ümit Şahin (Ashba) who was traveling through Russia to participate in Abkhazia's presidential election. Ardzinba has urged the Foreign Ministry to seek clarification from the relevant Russian authorities and ensure the protection of Abkhaz citizens’ rights.
The online publication Apsny Khabar has analysed Abkhazia's presidential election, highlighting the most discussed topic after the first round, the Armenian community's vote.
Badra Gunba secured nearly 100% of the votes in all Armenian-populated villages. Out of approximately 25,000 Armenian voters in Abkhazia, 24,000 reportedly backed Gunba. The outcome suggests that Gunba’s campaign strategy, centred on discrediting Adgur Ardzinba through negative [Black PR] narratives aimed at the Armenian community, proved effective.
— AW’s note
According to Apsny Khabar, speculation about the community’s voting began early in the campaign, alongside narratives on anonymous Telegram channels and even official media portraying the opposition as “pro-Turkish.” The aim, they argue, was to contrast the “pro-Russian” candidate Badra Gunba with a supposedly “pro-Turkish” opposition.
However, the publication stresses that this narrative collapsed under scrutiny. The Turkish authorities had cancelled voting in Türkiye for the Abkhaz diaspora, and on election day, several Abkhaz diaspora members from Türkiye were deported from Sochi airport. These events, Apsny Khabar concludes, dismantled the myth of Turkish influence, yet the “pro-Turkish” label continues to be propagated despite evidence to the contrary.
Adgur Ardzinba and Alkhas Dzhinzhal held a press conference in Sukhum, focusing on unity, transparency, and the upcoming runoff. Ardzinba thanked the Abkhaz people for their strong electoral participation despite significant pressure and urged even higher turnout in the second round.
He emphasised the importance of avoiding ethnic divisions and stressed the need for long-term planning beyond the election itself. Ardzinba criticised his opponent for lacking a clear programme, highlighting his own focus on resolving the energy crisis, job creation, and ensuring that Abkhazians can profit from their land without being forced to sell it.
Addressing claims of anti-Russian sentiment, Ardzinba stated, "Silence means consent." He expected Badra Gunba to reject such accusations, warning that continued silence would align Gunba with the policies of former President Aslan Bzhania, who previously accused many Abkhazians of harbouring anti-Russian views.
The aftermath of Abkhazia's first-round presidential election has been marked by rising tensions. Following accusations of ‘anti-Russian’, ‘pro-Western’, and ‘pro-Turkish’ sentiments, the narrative quickly shifted to alleged ethnic conflict, triggered by a leaked private phone conversation. The head of the Armenian community filed a complaint, citing pressure on ethnic Armenians.
Russia’s Investigative Committee swiftly intervened, expressing concern for "Russian citizens" and announcing an investigation in Abkhazia. This move coincided with the sudden unavailability of Abkhaz Prosecutor Damir Kvitsinia, leaving it unclear whether the investigation was coordinated with Abkhaz authorities.
Even Alik Minosyan, a staunch supporter of former President Aslan Bzhania and head of the Armenian community, distanced himself from the claims and withdrew his complaint after realising the political implications. Nevertheless, Russian media and pro-government platforms continued to push the narrative, portraying opposition-aligned Abkhazians as oppressors of the Armenian population.
Alik Minosyan, head of Abkhazia's Armenian community, reportedly received a preferential loan of 730 million rubles (8.03 million US dollars.) at a 6% annual interest rate in 2023. This revelation has fueled speculation about his loyalty, with critics suggesting that Minosyan is leveraging the Armenian community to advance his personal business interests.
Several public and political organisations in Abkhazia have issued a joint statement expressing concern over the escalating political tensions following the first round of the presidential elections. They highlighted the divisive nature of recent developments and called for unity and a balanced approach to resolving the situation.
Russia’s interference in Abkhazia's election and its backing of pro-government candidate Badra Gunba remained a major topic throughout the week. Civic organisations, public figures, and activists held press conferences, condemning the “dirty tactics” used to influence the election and denouncing what they see as pressure on Adgur Ardzinba's supporters.
Numerous open letters have been addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to halt the spread of misinformation on Russian state media, which is fueling anti-Abkhaz sentiment and harming bilateral relations.
On 20 February, Ardzinba supporters gathered at the State Philharmonic, demanding Gunba clarify his stance on Russia’s involvement and provide evidence supporting claims that Ardzinba is a “Turkish agent.” The two candidates have agreed to direct negotiations, with a joint press conference promised afterward.
The two candidates contesting the upcoming second round of Abkhazia’s presidential election, Badra Gunba and Adgur Ardzinba, have signed a joint agreement aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process. The agreement outlines mutual commitments to uphold democratic principles, refrain from negative campaigning, and respect the election outcome.
The document emphasises that “only the people of Abkhazia will determine their future,” underscoring the candidates’ shared belief in national sovereignty and the democratic process. Both Gunba and Ardzinba affirmed that their political rivalry is rooted solely in differing approaches to achieving the common goal of serving the Abkhaz people.
A spontaneous public gathering, initiated by concerned youth, is currently underway in Sukhum. Timur Gulia, Chairman of the veteran organisation Aruaa, announced that a delegation would visit the central headquarters of presidential candidate Badra Gunba to seek answers.
“Today, narratives are spreading in Abkhazia and Russia, labelling us as ‘pro-Turkish’ and 'Russophobes.' This is unacceptable," Gulia stated. "Young people are telling us that it's impossible to hold elections under such conditions. If our candidate, Adgur Ardzinba, is truly 'pro-Turkish,' let them present evidence."
Veteran of the Abkhaz People's Patriotic War, Gulia voiced the youth's demand for Gunba to address the nation and clarify the situation. The delegation, including Timur Gulia, Kamas Ayba, and Vianor Ashba, has now headed to Gunba's headquarters, while citizens await their return.
Russia's Election Investments in Full Swing
Abkhazia has received 10 more Gazelle Next school buses, donated by the Krasnodar branch of the Young Russia movement. This follows the first delivery of 20 buses on 11 February, bringing the total to 30 out of the 47 promised vehicles.
The initiative was supported by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration. During the handover ceremony, Abkhaz politician Badra Gunba highlighted the importance of such agreements for the country's citizens, crediting discussions with Kiriyenko and Russia's Ministry of Education for facilitating the donation.
If the election process drags on a little longer, Abkhazia might just be on its way to becoming the next Switzerland...
Meanwhile concrete pouring is underway on several streets in Sukhum's New District, Agrba, Chalmaz, and Gumista, as well as in the Old Settlement. Local residents have been informed that the works are organised by presidential candidate Badra Gunba's headquarters.
This activity is seen as a direct violation of the recent agreement between Adgur Ardzinba and Badra Gunba. Subscribers have shared videos from Chalmaz Street 18, raising concerns about potential election violations. Similar works have been reported at Agrba 8 and Chalmaz 5 in the New District of Sukhum.
Harry Kokaya has accused Badra Gunba’s campaign of violating the recent agreement less than a day after it was made.
“This morning, we saw concrete being poured in courtyards across the New District and Old Settlement. The work is being carried out by ‘Gorstroy’, a division of the Sukhum Administration,” Kokaya stated.
He also pointed out that within an hour of the negotiations ending, anonymous channels began spreading defamatory content. "They claim they have no control over these channels, but I strongly doubt that. I can even tell them exactly where all this smear campaign originates," he added.
The central campaign headquarters of presidential candidate Adgur Ardzinba and vice-presidential candidate Alkhas Dzhinzhal has issued a statement regarding the sudden road repairs in Sukhum, just days before the second round of elections.
Residents witnessed urgent roadworks in areas long neglected, a development the campaign views not as genuine concern for citizens but as an attempt to misuse administrative resources, despite public pledges for fair conduct from all candidates.
“Road repairs are beneficial, but they should be part of a systematic approach, not a tool for electoral bribery,” the statement reads. It highlights a familiar pattern: pre-election promises and cosmetic fixes, followed by post-election neglect, leaving communities without water, electricity, or prospects.
The Ardzinba campaign urges citizens not to fall for such tactics, emphasising that the election is not about a one-time benefit but about choosing leadership that will govern responsibly for the next five years.
“We call on voters to make an informed choice based on the long-term interests of the country, not pre-election manipulation.”
For Turkish readers
+ Tarihi Çarpıtmak: Erdoğan Şenol’un Abhazya Anlatısına Eleştirel Bir Bakış