Abkhazian leader Bzhania resigns amidst mass protests
Aslan Bzhania, the leader of the separatist region of Abkhazia, has resigned following discussions with the opposition. The Reuters agency reported this, citing a statement from Bzhania's press office.
Aslan Bzhania, the head of Abkhazia, a separatist region of Georgia with Russia's backing, stepped down after negotiations with the opposition. The Reuters agency conveyed this, citing a statement from Bzhania's press office. "In order to maintain stability and constitutional order in the country, I am announcing my resignation from the post of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia," Bzhania wrote in a statement published on his press office's Telegram channel.
Mass protests in Abkhazia
The government, supported by Moscow and led by Bzhania, has been facing mass demonstrations for several weeks. Protesters occupied bridges and government buildings, opposing regulations that legitimise Russian investments in the region.
Abkhazia has remained outside the control of the Georgian authorities for over 30 years. The separatist government claims it is an independent state, a status that was unilaterally declared in 1992. Few countries recognise the region's independence, including Russia, which did so in 2008 after a brief war with Georgia.
