Protests Erupt in Abkhazia Over Controversial Russian Investment Deal

Protesters stormed the parliament building of Abkhazia, a breakaway Georgian region supported by Russia, on Friday, demanding the resignation of the self-styled president over an unpopular investment agreement with Moscow.

Using a truck, protesters rammed through the metal gates of the parliament in the capital, Sukhumi. Once inside, they climbed through windows after removing metal bars and chanted in the corridors. The opposition declared that the building was now under their control.

Eshsou Kakalia, an opposition leader and former deputy prosecutor general, called for the resignation of Abkhazia’s president, stating that the people’s will had been ignored. Protesters also breached the presidential administration offices, which are housed in the same building.

At least eight people were hospitalized following clashes, according to emergency services. In response, the presidential administration announced plans to withdraw the contentious investment agreement with Russia, which many Abkhaz residents fear will drive up property prices and harm local businesses.

The agreement, signed in October by Russian and Abkhaz officials, would allow for more Russian investment, including property developments. Opposition leaders argue that the deal threatens local ownership and could flood the market with Russian capital, pricing out Abkhaz citizens.

“We are not against Russian-Abkhaz relations,” said the opposition in a statement. “We are only asking for the protection of our people’s interests, which have been ignored by both the president and parliament.”

This unrest follows a wave of earlier protests, including a highway blockade and rallies in Sukhumi, sparked by the arrest of activists opposed to the controversial Russian-Abkhaz agreement. In 2014, similar unrest led to the resignation of the then-president, Alexander Ankvab, after demonstrators stormed the presidential headquarters.

As tensions rise, Abkhazia’s future relationship with Russia remains a hot-button issue, with many local residents wary of further political and economic concessions to Moscow.