Badra Gunba

Why can Russia conscript students from Abkhazia?

Abkhazia-Russia

September 21, 2026

Schoolteacher, lawyer and blogger Said Beya explains the problem and whether it can be avoided.

Russian Orthodox Church calls on pilgrims to 'boycott' New Athos Monastery in Abkhazia

Abkhazia-Russia

September 10, 2026

The Russian Orthodox Church considers the monastery’s abbot, Father Dorotheus, a schismatic.

Abkhazia to review how effectively agricultural grants are being spent

Abkhazia

September 04, 2026

Numerous complaints from farmers on social media likely prompted the president to review how grants are being used

Opposition grows in Abkhazia over monument to citizens killed in Ukraine war

War in Ukraine

July 29, 2026

Opponents of the monument argue that, despite Abkhazia's strategic partnership with Russia, the republic is not at war with Ukraine

Abkhazia debates whether MPs should be required to speak Abkhaz as president struggles to win support

Abkhazia

July 17, 2026

The president has proposed delaying the implementation of the mandatory Abkhaz language requirement for parliamentary candidates who are not ethnic Abkhaz.

Opinion: Abkhaz authorities seek to create ‘systemic’ opposition

Politics in Abkhazia

June 22, 2026

Opposition activist Akhra Bzhania believes this is the real purpose behind the creation of the Consultative Council under the president.

Abkhaz MP's warning of decline in Russia ties sparks government reaction

Abkhazia-Russia

June 11, 2026

The authorities quickly moved to reassure Moscow that they do not share his view

Trial of Abkhaz lawyer begins in Russia

Abkhazia-Russia

June 05, 2026

The charges stem from a social media post that Bzhinava published in 2022 about the transfer of the state residence in Pitsunda to the Russian side

Abkhazia’s president to hold regular consultations with opposition figures

Abkhazia

May 22, 2026

To that end, a Consultative Council of Political Forces has been created, with the stated aim of “uniting efforts for the future of the country”.

Abkhazia’s president reviews 2025: Economic growth, cash registers and a focus on youth

Abkhazia

May 18, 2026

One of the key topics was internal security. In particular, the discussion focused on kidnappings.

Will government reshuffle in Abkhazia bring major change?

Politics in Abkhazia

May 07, 2026

For months, rumours had circulated that the security sector would undergo an almost complete overhaul. In the end, however, only the defence minister lost his post.

‘Nothing specific’: Opposition media dissects Abkhaz president’s interview

Abkhazia

February 16, 2026

Badra Gunba on Abkhaz–Russian relations, rural development and dialogue with the opposition

Abkhazia president’s main rival says he is ready to “stand alongside him” against “vultures”

Abkhazia

February 03, 2026

By “vultures”, he means those pushing unfavourable Russia–Abkhazia projects.

New president, renovated old airport, and witch-hunt: three key events in Abkhazia in 2025

Abkhazia

January 09, 2026

In 2025, Abkhazia saw a change of president, the reopening of its airport, and the start—and, hopefully, the end—of a hunt for “anti-Russian forces.”

In Abkhazia, former Council of Ministers building destroyed in the war to be restored

Abkhazia

September 11, 2025

What role the “building risen from the ashes” will play remains unclear

Small business, power grid, benefits – Abkhazia sets economic priorities

Abkhazia

September 01, 2025

The president’s instructions cover the economy, agriculture, tourism, energy and social policy