In a recent turn of events, the separatist leader of Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia, has resigned following days of unrest and clashes between opposition protesters and police.
The turmoil began when demonstrators took over key government buildings in protest of new measures allowing Russians to purchase property in the region. The opposition demanded the removal of self-styled Abkhazian President, who enjoys backing from Moscow.
After days of standoff, an agreement was reached on Tuesday, with the leader agreeing to step down in exchange for the opposition vacating the occupied buildings. The resignation was swiftly approved by Abkhazia's parliament, and the Vice President assumed the role of acting president.
Abkhazia, which broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s, has been a point of contention between Russia and Georgia. While Russia recognizes Abkhazia as an independent state, concerns persist among the local population about Moscow's influence over the region.
The recent unrest resulted in injuries to at least 14 individuals during clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The escalation was triggered by the arrest of opposition figures and subsequent protests that disrupted the region's parliamentary proceedings.
Abkhazia's picturesque landscapes and Black Sea coast have made it a popular destination for Russian tourists, leading to a potential surge in demand for holiday homes in the area.
The resignation of the separatist leader marks a significant development in the region's political landscape, with implications for its future relations with Georgia and Russia.
