Opposition Rally in Sukhum Adopts Final Resolution Demanding Government Resignation
Participants of the opposition rally in Sukhum have voiced their major demand: the resignation of the government, which they believe has failed to fulfil its obligations.

In Sukhum today, May 30th, a dual display of political sentiments was on full show. Opposing factions voicing disapproval against the current administration assembled near the drama theatre. Meanwhile, a robust gathering of President Aslan Bzhania's supporters rallied at the government complex.
The Abkhazian opposition has commenced a "People's Rally" in the square near the Sukhum Drama Theater, protesting against the "apartment law", resettlement policies, distribution of Abkhazian land, and increased electricity tariffs.
Demonstrators have gathered, holding banners with clear and direct messages: "Abkhazia is not for sale," "Energy belongs to the people," and "We oppose the apartment law."
"Today is the moment when we all, as one, need to make a resounding statement. We must fearlessly oppose a future where our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren inhabit a country where they own nothing. We have no other options to make this anti-people authority understand that our nation is not a source of enrichment for a handful of people who have seized power. We will not allow them to establish apartment resettlements or any other forms, to privatise energy, or to put our homeland, fought for by our ancestors and us, up for sale."
— Vianor Ashba, the chairman of the public organization "Aiaaira"
Unprecedented security measures surround the Sukhum government complex, with the installation of metal fences, barbed wire, and buses. Both security forces and supporters of the government are present on the scene. According to journalist Roin Agrba, such extensive measures are being taken for the first time in Abkhazia.
Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the Abkhazian National Movement, announced at the rally that the opposition will not demand the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. Instead, Ardzinba urged Bzhania to make a compromise decision by dissolving the Cabinet of Ministers, led by Alexander Ankvab.
The organisers plan to directly approach Bzhania by sending a delegation to him and inviting him to attend the opposition rally.
"I want to directly address the heads of certain departments - to Robert Kiut (Chairman of the State Security Service), to Walter Butba (Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), and to the Human Rights Ombudsman Anas Kishmaria. I urge them not to concoct accusations about illegal activities, anti-state actions, or, as in the case with our youth, accusations of hooliganism. Everything that will transpire at the rally will come from the people. I will quote our president Aslan Bzhania, these are his words, I just want him to remember them: 'If human rights are not protected by the power of law, people have the right to armed rebellion against tyranny and usurpation.' I want to say that Aslan Bzhania has spoken on his own behalf here. When they level accusations against people after the rally, let Aslan Bzhania sit next to me. Only then am I ready to bear responsibility. I want to appeal to the people of Abkhazia and say that throughout the entire modern history of the Abkhaz people, no authority has sold the future of our country as the current one does. They are selling not only the future of our country but also the future of your children and mine."
— Natalie Smyr, journalist, former Parliament Deputy and Chair of the "Aamta" Expert Fund.
The rally resulted in the passing of a resolution that outlines several key demands of the opposition. These demands include the establishment of a Council for Reforms, revocation of the decision on trade liberalisation via the Ingur Bridge, retraction of increased electricity tariffs, withdrawal of the agreement on the transfer of facilities in Pitsunda to Russia, recall of the apartment law, halting privatisation of energy facilities, withdrawal of the agreement with Russia on mutual recognition of court decisions, and creation of an urban code for the capital, Sukhum.
Adgur Ardzinba, leader of the Abkhazian National Movement, announced at the rally that the opposition will not demand the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. Instead, Ardzinba urged Bzhania to make a compromise decision by dissolving the Cabinet of Ministers, led by Alexander Ankvab.
The organisers plan to directly approach Bzhania by sending a delegation to him and inviting him to attend the opposition rally.
The rally resulted in the passing of a resolution that outlines several key demands of the opposition. These demands include the establishment of a Council for Reforms, revocation of the decision on trade liberalisation via the Ingur Bridge, retraction of increased electricity tariffs, withdrawal of the agreement on the transfer of facilities in Pitsunda to Russia, recall of the apartment law, halting privatisation of energy facilities, withdrawal of the agreement with Russia on mutual recognition of court decisions, and creation of an urban code for the capital, Sukhum.
Opposition Rally in Sukhum Adopts Final Resolution Demanding Government Resignation
Participants of the opposition rally in Sukhum have voiced their major demand: the resignation of the government, which they believe has failed to fulfil its obligations.
In a final resolution adopted at the rally, the attendees outlined their main demands to the current leadership. It's noteworthy that the protesters have no intention of calling for the resignation of the head of state. Rather, they're advocating for the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers, criticising their policies as ineffective.
The resolution also includes the following demands:
Establishment of a Council for Reforms under the President's guidance to create a roadmap for national tasks over the next two years. The Council should be inclusive of representatives from various social forces and experts.
Revocation of the order on trade liberalisation with Georgia.
Repeal of the resolution to increase electricity tariffs.
Withdrawal of the agreement that transfers state cottages in Pitsunda to Russia from parliamentary consideration.
Public rejection of plans to legislate the legal status of apartments and aparthotels.
Public rejection of plans to privatise the power system by private capital.
Public assurance of non-ratification of the agreement between Abkhazia and Russia on recognising judicial and arbitral economic decisions.
Creation of an expert commission to develop capital Sukhum's urban code.
If these demands are not met, the current leadership will be seen as "hostile to the national interests of the Abkhaz people," the document warns. This could lead to opposition forces taking measures to counteract the current leadership and safeguard the Abkhaz statehood.
The resolution is signed by representatives of various associations, including The Abkhazian People's Movement, "Aruaa", "Apsny", "Unity", "Aamta", the Union of Veterans and Youth, "Aiaaira".
A delegation, including Timur Gulia, Said Butba, and Vianor Ashba, delivered the resolution to the president.
President Bzhania Rejects Demands, Opposition Announces New Protests
The opposition rally held in Sukhum has come to a close, with President Aslan Bzhania declining to meet the protesters' demands. In response, opposition leaders have announced the commencement of a series of protest actions.
Adgur Ardzinba, chairman of the "Abkhazian National Movement", announced the end of the opposition forces' rally. He addressed the crowd, asserting their mission was to protect the people of Abkhazia from the current government. "Starting today, we will begin a series of protests calling for this government to step down in accordance with Abkhazian law," stated Ardzinba.
As the rally concluded, the crowd began to disperse, although a number of opposition supporters remained at the square near the drama theatre. Meanwhile, supporters of the current government lingered in anticipation of the head of state's appearance.
Earlier in the day, opposition representatives had presented President Bzhania with a resolution outlining their demands, chief among them the immediate resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers. However, these demands were not accepted by the President.
Bzhania Thanked His Supporters and Called for Politics to Return to Offices
Following a meeting with opposition representatives, Sergey Shamba, the Secretary of the Security Council, took the stage at the government complex. He shared insights into the outcomes of their discussion. Later, President Bzhania addressed his audience, expressing gratitude for their presence and reassuring them that the paramount duty of his government is to serve the people.
President Bzhania acknowledged, "All those who have gathered here, as well as those stationed in the square at the Abkhazian drama theatre, we stand united as representatives of one people. Each individual demonstrated remarkable resilience and commendable behaviour. It's preferable if such gatherings were not necessary, but when they occur, it is vital to maintain a lawful course, which is what transpired today."
Bzhania reiterated that his team's singular mission is to serve the Abkhazian people. "Undeniably, there remain unresolved issues and challenges that we have yet to overcome. Yet, I want to assure you that we will expend every effort, today, tomorrow, and every day after, to create the conditions for their resolution. Like you, I aspire for our people to flourish, our state to fortify, more children to come into our world, for Abkhazia to enjoy prosperity, and for every family to experience well-being. I yearn for our children to have access to quality education. To realise these ambitions, we must commit to relentless effort," he was quoted as saying by the "ApsnyPress" news agency.
The President expressed his belief that political concerns should find resolution within office walls, not on squares and streets. "We're committed to this path and intend to redouble our efforts to return politics to the offices," Bzhania reiterated, thanking all the attendees once more.
Openness and readiness for dialogue were key themes in Bzhania's address. He acknowledged the demands voiced that day, noting they would require diligent work and a thoughtful approach. "There are bills we've begun deliberating, and others yet to be discussed. We count on your continued support and collective efforts," the Abkhazian leader stated.
Post the President's speech, the gathering at the government complex gradually dispersed, while the security forces maintained their watch over the facility.