Resistance to the disputed Russian-Abkhaz investment agreement is gaining momentum in the Abkhaz capital. A violent protest took place on November 15 outside the parliament building in Sokhumi, inside which discussions on the ratification of the agreement were taking place. 

Fearing Russian encroachment in the region, a significant proportion of the public strongly oppose the investment deal, which grants unprecedented concessions to Russian investors in Abkhazia, and has been dubbed “privileges for oligarchs”.

Swarms of angry protestors breached the parliament gates, besieging the building, and threw eggs and plastic bottles at the police and military, who were mobilised in anticipation of civil unrest during the parliamentary meeting on November 15.

The Abkhaz political opposition have expressed concern that the agreement, should parliament sign off on it, would be detrimental to the republic’s interests. Specifically, they warn of a fatal blow to local businesses and a security threat to Abkhaz society.

Over recent days opposition figures have been urging local parliamentary deputies to block the deal, which has already been signed by the Abkhaz Minister of Economy but requires ratification by the parliament. These talks have proved effective; by the morning of the 14 November 12 out of 35 deputies had officially stated that they would oppose ratification of the agreement.

On the evening of November 11, following one such meeting, five opposition members were arrested and detained, fuelling widespread protests. Throughout the day on November 12 hundreds of demonstrators blockaded Abkhazia’s Kodori and Gumista bridges in an act of protest, resulting in the opposition members’ release the following day.

Opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba called on the authorities to "postpone the discussion of this divisive issue until after the presidential election, which is due in several months”. He also appealed to the security forces to “exercise wisdom and restraint”.

“Do not allow yourselves to be used as tools by a government that seeks personal enrichment at the expense of the people. Remember, your oath is to our homeland, not to President [Aslan] Bzhania and his oligarchs," Ardzinba said.

If the opposition succeeds in blocking the ratification, the pro-Russian Abkhaz president, Bzhania, has a very slim chance of re-election in the February 2025 vote.