Abkhazia's acting president requests humanitarian electricity supplies from Russia

Acting President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba said in his address to the nation on December 21 that he had requested a humanitarian supply of electricity from Russia in connection with the crisis in the republic.

According to him, the political crisis in the country, as well as the suspension of the most important programs of Russian aid to Abkhazia have led to severe consequences, including the collapse of the energy system. Gunba said the republic could face a humanitarian catastrophe.

"As acting president of the Republic of Abkhazia, I have appealed to our ally and strategic partner - the Russian Federation - with a request to resolve the issue of humanitarian electricity supply," the address by the acting president of Abkhazia, published by his press service, reads.

Apsny for real: Abkhazia plunges into economic crisis

In the republic, electricity is cut off and salaries are stopped being paid

On December 9, acting Prime Minister of Abkhazia Valery Bganba announced the closure of schools and kindergartens in Abkhazia due to the emergency in the energy sector. It was noted that the measures taken will be in effect for a week. On December 11, electricity was cut off throughout the territory of Abkhazia after the shutdown of the Inguri hydroelectric power plant due to critically low water levels.

The situation with electricity was aggravated against the background of suspension of Russian aid programs to Abkhazia and political crisis in the republic. On November 12, clashes took place in the capital near the building of the Abkhazian State Security Service. On November 15, a truck of protesters broke down the gates of the parliament fence, and some protesters entered the territory. On November 19, Aslan Bzhania submitted his resignation from the post of president of the republic, on the same day Abkhaz Vice-President Badra Gunba became acting head of state.

On December 19, there was a shooting in the parliament of Abkhazia. On the same day, the press service of the Ministry of Health of the republic reported that as a result, one deputy was killed and another was wounded in the shoulder.

In September, Russia suspended social payments to teachers, doctors and employees of law enforcement agencies in Abkhazia. At the same time, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba added that at bilateral meetings Abkhazia was repeatedly warned about possible consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations. On December 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Abkhazia were discussing the investment agreement and social payments to the republic's residents.