The separatist leader of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia resigned on Tuesday following days of unrest that saw opposition groups seizing key government buildings and clashes with police resulting in at least 14 injuries.
The demonstrations began on Friday in response to new measures allowing Russians to purchase property in the seaside region. Protesters demanded the removal of self-styled Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania, who enjoys backing from Moscow. Bzhania expressed willingness to step down if the protesters relinquished control of the buildings, but the opposition refused until his resignation.
An agreement was eventually reached on Tuesday after over nine hours of negotiations, leading to Bzhania's resignation and the opposition vacating the occupied buildings. Abkhazian Vice President Badra Gunba confirmed the resolution, with Gunba assuming the role of acting president.
Abkhazia, which broke away from Georgia in 1993 following conflict, lost further territory to Russia in a brief war in 2008. While Russia recognizes Abkhazia as an independent state, concerns persist among many Abkhazians regarding Moscow's influence over the region.
The picturesque landscapes of Abkhazia, featuring mountains and Black Sea beaches, attract numerous Russian tourists, potentially driving demand for holiday homes in the area.
The unrest escalated on Friday when opposition protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries. Lawmakers had convened at the parliament building to discuss measures allowing Russian citizens to buy property in Abkhazia, but the session was disrupted as demonstrators forcibly entered the premises. Some protesters engaged in violence, prompting police to respond with tear gas.
Prior arrests of opposition figures at a previous demonstration had sparked widespread protests, including the blockage of bridges leading to Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia.
