This article, by Omer Aytek Kurmel, explores three key trends for Syrian Circassians post-Assad: deepening isolation, rising influence of Israeli Circassians, and the growing strength of diaspora identity.

https://abkhazworld.com/aw/diaspora/2917-post-assad-era-and-the-circassians-by-omer-aytek-kurmel

Acting President of Abkhazia, Badra Gunba, has convened a meeting of the Security Council following the fatal shooting in the parliament building in Sukhum, which resulted in the death of MP Vakhtang Golandziya and left MP Kan Kvarchiya injured. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2916-security-council-convened-after-shooting-in-parliament

The Abkhazian Ministry of Health confirmed Golandzia’s death, while Kvarchia is being treated in hospital for a gunshot wound to his arm. Officials have stated that his condition is stable.

Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Robert Kiut identified Kharaziya, a former mayor of Sukhum and sitting MP, as the suspect. He is reported to have fled the scene, and law enforcement has launched a search operation.
Kharaziya has a history of legal issues, including a 2020 arrest on charges of grievous bodily harm and illegal possession of a firearm.

Acting Abkhazian leader Badra Gunba held an emergency meeting to discuss the incident and was briefed on the measures being taken by the General Prosecutor’s Office. Gunba later visited the Republican Hospital to check on those injured in the attack.

Abkhazia sets 2024-2025 fishing quotas, allowing 25,000 tonnes of anchovy, with strict sustainability rules enforced. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2903-government-of-abkhazia-announces-fishing-quotas-for-2024-2025-season

According to the Krasnodar Customs press service, Abkhazia exports up to 1,000 tons of tangerines daily to Russia, contributing to a 14.4% increase in Russia's total tangerine imports, reaching 738,300 tons as of 5 December. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2902-abkhazia-exports-up-to-1000-tons-of-tangerines-daily-to-russia

Officials clarify that school closures due to the energy crisis are advisory. Local administrations can decide based on technical readiness amid electricity shortages. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2901-advisory-only-officials-clarify-stance-on-proposed-school-suspensions

Konstantin Zatulin warns that Abkhazia's rejection of the Russian investment agreement will strain Moscow-Sukhum relations, with economic and political repercussions. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2892-zatulin-warns-of-strained-russia-abkhazia-relations-after-agreement-rejection

"During these two years, it will be possible to develop a comprehensive set of reforms and, if necessary, hold a referendum on either a revised edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia or an entirely new Constitution. Such a person would undoubtedly earn a place of honour among the national leaders in Abkhazian history.

The guarantee of such intentions must be their firm pre-election commitments, an oath at a sacred shrine, and a pledge to the people. Some may call this naive, but it is a path that eliminates both legal and political obstacles to carrying out reforms.

P.S. This does not apply to the recently departed president... Here, the principle holds true: you cannot step into the same river twice."

Ibragim Ckhadua
Director, war (1992-93) veteran."

Ibragim Chkadua: "Many are now asking the main question of the coming year, and indeed, the key question for our future: Who should we vote for?

For the past 10 years, I have not participated in elections, be they parliamentary, local, or presidential. This was my protest against the electoral system and the structure of governance in our country. It is clear that we need to change the system of power, which means reforming governance and elections as well.

However, on 15 February, I am ready to cast my vote! I will vote and urge others to vote for a candidate willing to lead Abkhazia for two years, during which they will implement the large-scale reforms that are urgently overdue. After that, the candidate must voluntarily resign to enable simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections in 2027, and, if they wish, run for a second term themselves."

The People’s Assembly of Abkhazia has scheduled an early presidential election for 15 February, following the resignation of the head of state. According to law, the Parliament is required to set the election date within 15 days of the president’s departure, with the election itself to be held within three months. https://abkhazworld.com/aw/current-affairs/2888-early-presidential-election-in-abkhazia-scheduled-for-15-february