The leader of the self-proclaimed Abkhazia has resigned amid ongoing protests.

This is reported by Echo of the Caucasus referencing Bzhania's statement following lengthy negotiations with the opposition.

He explained his decision by stating the "desire to maintain stability and constitutional order in the country." At the same time, the protesters committed to vacate the government complex by November 19.

If they fail to do so, Bzhania will withdraw his resignation statement. Additionally, Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab will also step down. The protesters have already noted this news.

Today, on November 19, the parliament of the self-proclaimed region will consider resignation statements. Meanwhile, Vice President Badra Gunba will perform the duties of the head, and former parliament speaker Valery Bganba has been appointed as the interim prime minister.

Earlier, Bzhania stated that in the event of resignation, he still plans to submit his candidacy in the next elections.

Why are there protests in Abkhazia?

At the end of October, an agreement was signed in Moscow, granting large Russian businesses unprecedented benefits, the opportunity to implement their projects on the territory of Abkhazia, as well as ownership rights to land and property.

Since September 1, Moscow has suspended funding for the Abkhaz budget, demanding, among other things, the approval of the investment agreement. The Abkhaz opposition opposes the document, believing it will lead to an "expansion of oligarchy."

On November 11, several Abkhaz opposition members were detained as they were returning from a public meeting in Gudaouta, which opposed the ratification of the Russian-Abkhaz agreement. The authorities of Abkhazia claimed that the detainees allegedly "committed illegal actions against parliament member" Almas Akaba.

Amidst this, protests erupted in the region near the State Security Service building and then at Freedom Square. Additionally, the opposition blocked key bridges leading to the capital of the so-called republic — Sukhumi.

Subsequently, the city court closed the case against the detained opposition members "due to the absence of an administrative offense incident."

On the day the parliament was supposed to ratify the agreement on Russian investments, a protest took place outside the building, where smoke bombs were thrown into the crowd and tear gas was sprayed. Later, the protesters broke into the parliament.