A large crowd of people gathered in the capital of the Georgian separatist territory of Abkhazia on the evening of November 18, as shown on opposition Telegram channels, as the political standoff continued for a fourth day. 

Opposition demonstrators have occupied government buildings in the capital Sukhumi since November 15, following protests sparked by widespread opposition to a controversial investment agreement with Russia.

The crisis began when Abkhazia’s parliament was expected to ratify the investment agreement. The opposition argues that the deal compromises Abkhazia's already limited autonomy in relation to Moscow. Protesters demand President Aslan Bzhania’s resignation and the scheduling of early elections.

Demonstrators maintained control over the parliament and presidential office on November 18, according to local news agency Apsnypress and opposition Telegram channels. 

An opposition representative called on members of parliament to “get together and begin active work to get out of the political crisis”, Apsnypress reported. A meeting was reportedly underway on the evening of November 18. 

Meanwhile, armed guards stationed outside the buildings have barred entry to cabinet offices. On November 17, protesters dismantled fences outside the parliament building. Earlier on November 18, the situation was calm, although several dozen people were reportedly standing outside both the presidency and the parliament. 

There were reports of gunfire outside the Abkhazian State Television and Radio Company (AGTRK) late on November 17. No injuries were reported.

According to the presidential press service’s Telegram account, unidentified individuals in 15 vehicles fired near the AGTRK building, allegedly attempting to seize control of broadcasts.

Bzhania, who briefly left Sukhumi for his hometown Tamysh after protesters stormed the parliament, returned over the weekend. 

He met with top government officials on November 18, as well as chairing a meeting of the Security Council at which the situation and measures to stabilise it were discussed, according to a presidential statement. “The head of state gave specific instructions to the members of the Security Council concerning the prevention of illegal actions,’ the statement said. 

Bzhania also instructed officials to ensure ministries and government departments continue to function as far as possible, and to ensure a stable energy supply and the functioning of social infrastructure. 

The de facto government has framed the protests as an attempted coup. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on November 17 describing the events as “damaging to the international image of our country” and harming relations with Russia, its principal ally.

The controversial investment agreement that ignited the protests is seen by critics as part of Russia’s growing influence in Abkhazia. While the opposition has strongly opposed the deal, it has been careful to stress its commitment to Abkhazia’s alliance with Moscow, which has backed Abkhazia since it broke away from Tbilisi's control over 30 years ago.

Protesters have repeatedly chanted pro-Russia slogans, making clear that their grievances lie with Bzhania’s administration rather than Russia.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili condemned what she described as “Russia's hasty steps towards annexation” and voiced solidarity with Abkhaz civil society. However, her overtures were rebuffed by the Abkhazian opposition.