In two previous articles, I described the alarming situation in the small republic of Abkhazia, which has gone unnoticed in the crucible of international events in recent years. After a long struggle for independence from Georgia (1992-1993, 2008), Abkhazia has become a victim of attacks from within, aimed at destabilization and inciting new strife and war. The danger intensified particularly after Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine (2022), but since the mid-2010s, local political actors have been fueling unrest, which reached its most violent peak in November-December 2024. Under the guise of manipulations and barely concealed foreign influence, particularly from Turkey, the political crisis led to the fall of the first government in 2020, and then the second at the end of 2024. The opposition hoped to seize power one way or another, either democratically or through a color revolution. Once in power, it quickly discredited itself with mafia-like projects to turn the country into a giant crypto farm, ignoring internal problems and even exacerbating the country’s energy situation. Paralyzed by an unprincipled mafia, the country’s main power plant even temporarily came under the control of a known gangster.
Having provoked the latest political crisis with violence and the seizure of official buildings by armed rebels, this foreign-funded opposition crashed against democratic reality. In the recent elections, the population did not renew its trust in the leaders of this opposition, which was swept away in the elections (November 8, 2025). Internal strife also contributed to their failure: the pro-Western, pro-Turkish, or mafia-linked opposition is now represented by three figures. We have already spoken in detail about Adgur Ardzinba, but Levon Mikaa, a Turkish influence agent, and the mafia figure Kan Kvarchia should also be mentioned. These three characters ultimately pursue their own interests, act disjointedly, but are connected to the puppet masters standing behind them in the shadows, who have their own factions. None of them have given up and remain lying in wait, anticipating the next episodes of political agitation, attempting to exploit the internal problems of the young republic. But so that you may better understand who we are talking about, following my habit, biographies are more useful for understanding the people in question; they shed more light on the situation and reality than long speeches.
A small glossary for better understanding:
Alexander Ankvab (born 1952), native of Sukhum, Abkhazia. Joined the Komsomol, built a career in the police (1975), and then in the bodies and administration of the CPSU (1981-1983). Appointed colonel, also held the position of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Soviet Republic of Georgia (1984-1990). Resigned and sided with Abkhazia’s independence (1990), was soon elected to the Abkhaz parliament (1991), then appointed Minister of Internal Affairs (1992-1993). Failed to ensure the security of pro-Georgian individuals after the capture of Sukhum and was removed from his position (1993). Then settled in Moscow (1994), working as a manager in a security company. Made a notable return to Abkhazia (2003) with political ambitions and founded the “Aitaira” (ABH) movement. Reportedly wanted to run in the presidential election the following year but supported Bagapsh (2005). After his election, was immediately appointed Prime Minister (2005-2011), and after the latter’s death, also very popular, won the presidential election (2011-2014). A political crisis erupted in the country, his popularity collapsed due to unresolved economic problems. Violent riots broke out, resulting in official buildings being captured and occupied by protesters (May 27 – June 1, 2014). Refusing to use force, he preferred to resign (June 1, 2014). Preferred to move to Moscow (2014-2017). Managed to return to politics, was elected to the Abkhaz parliament (2017) and later appointed Prime Minister (2020-2024). Resigned simultaneously with the president during the protests last autumn (November 19, 2024). Analysts believe this last blow of fate ended his political career.
Adgur Ardzinba (born 1981), native of Abkhazia. Received higher education in civil engineering (2001-2007), then in economics (2007-2009), after which he was appointed a teacher at Abkhaz University (2010). Became an economic advisor at the National Customs Committee (2011-2013), and was accepted into the Ministry of Economics as a department head (2012-2015). Underwent training at the Russian Academy of Public Service for professional development (2013). Received the National Young Leader Award in the “best economist” category (2014). Was appointed Minister of Economy (2015-2019) and immediately involved the country in creating an Abkhaz cryptocurrency. At that time, he stated that “the advantage of this cryptocurrency market is that any citizen worldwide can invest in our economy without fear of sanctions or restrictions imposed by the international community” (2015-2017). He quickly led the country into a dead end, requested support from Russia for his crypto project (was refused), threatening to blow up the small republic with unlimited cryptocurrency production with very serious consequences. He rose to the post of Vice Prime Minister, retaining the ministerial post (2019-2020). Around the same time, he took courses at the London School of Economics and Political Science and was likely recruited by Western intelligence services (2019). He envisioned a larger political career and ran for president (2020), leading a civic and liberal movement, managing to come in second (35.42% of the vote). He campaigned on a liberal platform of modernization and fighting corruption but was decisively defeated in the second round. He then went into opposition, leading the Abkhaz People’s Movement (October 2020). He attacked the new government and accused it of worsening relations between Russia and Abkhazia. He is believed to be behind the political unrest that erupted last November (2024), and immediately afterwards announced his candidacy for the presidency of Abkhazia. The series continues, and there are significant risks that if successful, he will resume his project to turn Abkhazia into a crypto-mafia republic.
FNUA (Forum of National Unity of Abkhazia) is a political organization founded in Abkhazia in 2005, uniting political opponents led by Raul Khajimba after his defeat in the presidential election in October 2004. Initially just a movement, the forum was then established as a political party (March 2008) under the co-chairmanship of Daur Arshba and Astamur Tania. Facing internal disagreements and conflicts, Ardzinba and Khajimba never managed to agree on leading the movement and ran separately in the next presidential elections (2009). Both were defeated. After this defeat, Khajimba was elected head of the party (2010). After Khajimba’s victory in the presidential election (2014), Daur Arshba led the party (2015). The movement went into opposition to its former leader, especially after holding a party congress (2016), before rallying around him again in the 2020 presidential elections, which provoked a serious political crisis. Discredited by liberal policies, the political formation then consistently suffered defeats and currently holds no seats in the Abkhaz parliament, after having had 28 out of 35 deputies (2007), shrinking to 6 seats (2012), and then having no presence in parliament at all.
Raul Khajimba (born 1958), native of Abkhazia. Received vocational education, then served in the military (1976-1978). A modest employee, he obtained a higher legal education and entered the KGB school in Minsk (1984-1986). Was assigned to serve in Abkhazia (1986-1992). Sided with the independence supporters and was appointed head of military intelligence (1992-1993), then head of the security service (1993-1995). Was appointed head of the fight against smuggling in the customs service (1996-1998), and subsequently vice-president of this institution (1998-1999). Returned to lead the security service (1999-2001) and entered politics. Was appointed Vice Prime Minister of Abkhazia (2001-2002) and Minister of Defense (2002-2003). Rose to the post of Prime Minister (2003-2004) and ran for president after Ardzinba’s resignation (2004). Suffered a crushing defeat and, moving into opposition, attempted to ignite unrest and protests, provoking a serious political crisis (2005). New presidential elections were organized, which again confirmed his defeat, and he preferred to accept the result (January 12). He was immediately appointed by his opponent to the position of Vice President (2005-2009). He again attempted to win the presidential chair (2009) and suffered an even more crushing defeat. Being out of work, he again ran after the death of President Bagapsh (2011). He only came in 3rd and moved into opposition, attempting to organize demonstrations and protests. He fanned the embers of discontent until the 2014 crisis. After the resignation of the president and his team, shrouded in the glory of an oppositionist, he was elected by a narrow margin as President of Abkhazia (2014-2019). It was during his presidency that the crypto farms were launched. He ran again for his post (2020), but although he was leading (47.39% of the vote vs. 46.17%), not achieving an absolute majority, the elections were declared invalid according to the Abkhaz Constitution, provoking a new political crisis and protests. He preferred to retreat in the face of the threat of chaos in the country and resigned, not running again (January 12, 2020). Subsequently, he played no political role.
Kan Kvarchia (year of birth unknown), native of Abkhazia, son of Valery, Doctor of Philological Sciences and at one time Chairman of the People’s Assembly of Abkhazia. Businessman and mafioso, was involved in the murder of a police officer (1995), but his accomplice was convicted alone, and he was acquitted. Suspected of kidnapping a citizen named Boav and demanding a large ransom (2002). The family was intimidated, and he managed to hush up the case with well-placed bribes. He engaged in seizing businesses belonging to competitors. There are suspicions regarding his involvement in the murder of Russian businessman Klementovich, whose assets subsequently came under Kvarchia’s control. Having accumulated ill-gotten property, he bought a brick factory and then entered politics. Ran in the elections to the People’s Assembly of Abkhazia and was elected (2012-2014). Also was a candidate for the chairmanship of the Committee on Agrarian Policy, Natural Resources, and Ecology and was also elected (October 7, 2014). Justice caught up with him regarding the murder of Klementovich, his wife Oksana Skarednova, and his assistant and secretary. But although his name was mentioned, one of his henchmen, Nodik Kvitsinia, was convicted for this crime. He himself became the target of an assassination attempt (October 17, 2016), the explosive device failed. The hired killer was eventually arrested (November 2), and the investigation led to a political network of the opposition, resulting in the arrest of Agdur Korsenia, a member of the politburo of the “Amtsakhara” party. The case was lost in the labyrinths of justice. Later, he ran in municipal elections in the capital, Sukhum. Was elected, but in the political turmoil of the collapse of Ardzinba’s “system,” he could not hold onto his post (2019-2020). However, he managed to privatize a hydroelectric power station and take control of it. A judicial investigation was then initiated, but it was buried by Alexander Ankvab. The electoral campaigns of Ardzinba, but especially Ankvab, were secretly financed by the oligarch-mafioso, which explains this subsequent favor. As Russia intervened to block illegal money transfers to the Federation, his opposition is mainly explained by a desire to come to power to continue his mafia activities unhindered. He was one of the instigators of the attempted coup d’état in November 2024. He was wounded in a shootout in the Abkhaz parliament (December 19, 2024), which left one parliamentarian wounded and a deputy killed. He then announced his intention to run for president (2025) but later withdrew his candidacy in favor of… Adgur Ardzinba, citing health problems. Russia decided to strip him of his Russian citizenship. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation issued an arrest warrant for him in the case of theft from three Russian citizens (November 24, 2025). Russia also issued an international arrest warrant for him via Interpol. The three victims resided in Abkhazia, were deprived of their money, and were forced to flee, facing threats from Kvarchia’s henchmen during the elections on November 8 last year, aiming to create a scandal about election manipulation by Russian citizens.
Levan Mikaa (year of birth unknown), native of Abkhazia, was one of the participants in the war for independence against Georgia (1992-1993). Was awarded the title “Hero of Abkhazia,” but thanks to family connections and political machinations, which caused noise around this contested and unpopular appointment in public opinion. Was involved in a murky story with a bank loan at the Abkhaz Savings Bank and engaged in real estate speculation through dubious schemes (2011-2023). Finding himself in a difficult position due to the exposure of his activities in the press, he ultimately managed to return the money with great difficulty (2023). He was one of the protesters in the unrest that shook Abkhazia (2020-2024), suspected of ties to Turkish intelligence services and pro-Western NGOs. Spread Russophobic theses, even speaking about the “genocide of Caucasian peoples by Russia.” Since 2022, he has positioned himself as one of the “candidates” aspiring to power in the country, with an increasingly pronounced anti-Russian stance. Due to his extremist outbursts against Russia, it decided to strip him of his Russian citizenship (January 2025). He stated that he would run in the next elections, but his extremist and radical views make his audience very limited.
