Below is the weekly digest of key developments and discourses in and around the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, as well as those concerning Tbilisi–Moscow relations.
Sokhumi
- Turkish Opposition Party Calls for Recognition of Occupied Abkhazia
On 4 July, the Turkish Labour Party (Emek Partisi, EMEP) published a statement calling for an end to the “international isolation” of Georgia’s occupied region of Abkhazia. The statement, signed by the party’s chairman, Seyit Aslan, argues that the current policy of isolation infringes upon the rights of Abkhaz residents to life, healthcare, education, freedom of movement, and family reunification.
The statement further asserts that the restrictions also affect the sizeable Abkhaz diaspora in Turkey, which the party estimates at approximately 600,000 people. EMEP calls on Turkish authorities to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and, pending such recognition, to accept Abkhaz “passports” as valid travel documents at Turkish border crossings and establish direct maritime and air links between Turkey and Abkhazia.
EMEP is a small far-left opposition party in Turkey with limited parliamentary influence. Founded in 1996, it is known for its socialist platform and advocacy of workers’ and minority rights.
- Abkhazia’s Sokhumi and Ghana’s Suhum Become “Sister Cities”
A “delegation” from the city of Suhum in the Republic of Ghana, led by Barima Amoako Darko, visited Sokhumi, where a meeting with the de facto foreign minister, Oleg Bartsits, was held.
According to local media, Bartsits outlined the priorities of Abkhazia’s “foreign policy,” emphasizing that while the region continues to rely on its strategic alliance with Russia and is expanding trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation with Moscow, it is also pursuing a policy of diversifying its international partnerships. He described Africa as one of the key priorities of this effort.
During the visit, Sokhumi and Suhum signed a “memorandum of cooperation” establishing a “sister city partnership.” The agreement provides a framework for “cooperation” in local governance, trade, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, sports, youth exchanges, as well as the development of joint cultural and tourism initiatives. Darko stated that the municipality of Suhum plans to establish a “Sokhumi–Suhum friendship and cultural centre” to promote cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation between the two communities.
Commenting on the visit on his personal Facebook page, Amoako Darko stated that he had presented “the enormous investment potential of Suhum” and encouraged prospective investors to consider the municipality “as a strategic destination for business and development.”
Barima Amoako Darko is a traditional leader in Suhum, Ghana, holding the title of Akyempimhene of the Suhum Traditional Council, a senior sub-chief within the local traditional governance system.
Notably, recently Ghana has voted in favour of the Georgia-sponsored UN General Assembly resolution on the Status of Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia.
- Georgian Citizen Placed in Pre-Trial Detention for Allegedly Crossing the “Border”
The de facto authorities in occupied Abkhazia’s Gali district have detained Georgian citizen Gela Mebonia and opened a criminal case against him, accusing him of “illegally crossing the state border” from Tbilisi-controlled territory, Sokhumi-based Apsadgil-Info reported on July 9.
According to the outlet, which cited the press service of the de facto prosecutor general’s office, Mebonia was detained on July 2 in the village of Bataiguara [formerly known as Nabakevi, which was renamed by the de facto authorities], and is currently being held in pretrial detention.
- De Facto Foreign Ministry Condemns Terrorist Attack in Syria
The so-called foreign ministry of Abkhazia has sent a “note of condolence” to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic following the recent terrorist attack in Damascus.
The message expressed “deep sorrow and outrage” over the attack, which resulted in civilian casualties. It also highlighted that the incident occurred during the visit of a high-level foreign guest, describing the timing as evidence of the attack’s “provocative and cynical nature.”
The de facto ministry condemned terrorism in all its forms, stating that such acts can never be justified. It further expressed confidence that the Syrian authorities, together with the international community, would bring those responsible for planning and carrying out the attack to justice.
- De Facto Foreign Ministry Discusses Case of Detained Abkhaz National in Russia
De facto foreign minister Oleg Bartsits met with Abkhazia’s “honorary consul” in Rostov-on-Don, Adik Arshba, with discussions focusing on the case of Irakli Bzhinava, an Abkhaz national who remains in pre-trial detention in Russia.
Arshba said he remains in regular contact with Bzhinava’s lawyers and family members and that the Russian authorities had approved a request for consular access. The date of the visit is currently being coordinated. Bartsits instructed the so-called honorary consul to continue efforts to safeguard Bzhinava’s rights and protect his interests.
Bzhinava was arrested in February on charges of publicly calling for actions deemed to “threaten Russia’s national security.” The case is reportedly linked to his criticism of the transfer of the Bichvinta residence to Russian President Vladimir Putin. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of between three and six years.
Tskhinvali
- “CEC” Publishes List of Parties Allowed to Nominate Candidates in “Presidential Election”
The de facto “central election commission” of the occupied Tskhinvali region published a list of political parties eligible to nominate candidates in the early “presidential election” scheduled for September 18. The list was compiled based on data provided by the local “ministry of justice” and in accordance with the existing “electoral legislation.” It includes 13 parties.
- “CEC” Approves Rules for Observers, Commissions and 72 Polling Stations
The de facto “CEC” also said that it is ready to hold the early “presidential election” on September 18 in accordance with local legislation. The commission said it had inspected polling stations, prepared the necessary equipment and considered issues related to organizing the vote, including the possible opening of polling stations outside the region after receiving information from the de facto “foreign ministry.”
At its regular meeting, the “CEC” approved rules for accrediting “foreign observers” at the election, as well as templates for several electoral documents. These included the format of the voter list and an authorization form for opening a special electoral account to create candidates’ campaign funds.
The commission also decided to establish six territorial election commissions and open 72 polling stations across the region. Territorial commissions will operate in Tskhinvali, Kvaisa, Java, Tskhinvali district, Znaur district and the “Leningor” district (Akhalgori before the Russian occupation). The issue of opening polling stations outside the region remains under consideration.
- “Initiative Group” Submits Documents to Nominate Kambolov as Candidate for “President” of Occupied Tskhinvali Region
An “initiative group” of voters submitted documents to the “CEC” to nominate acting de facto leader of the region, Marat Kambolov, as a candidate for “president.” According to the group’s chairman, Vadim Tedeev, rector of “South Ossetian State University,” a complete package of required documents was submitted to the commission.
The “CEC” now has five days to decide whether to register the candidate or refuse registration. If approved, the “initiative group” plans to establish a campaign headquarters and begin work with voters, according to the local news agency Res.
- Kambolov Calls on “Ministers” to Abandon “Bureaucratic Immunity”
Marat Kambolov, the acting leader of the occupied Tskhinvali region, said his “government” was changing its approach to work. According to him, “ministers” need to abandon “bureaucratic immunity” toward citizens’ problems, learn to listen to people and see concrete hardships behind official reports.
Kambolov said residents were not interested in meetings and documents, but rather in the availability of medicines, timely salary payments and the quality of medical care.
“Many ministers have been working for years… Those who are not ready to change their approaches and take responsibility for results will not remain in the new team,” he said.
- “National Bank” of Occupied Tskhinvali Region Issues Commemorative Coin Supporting Participants in Russia-Ukraine War
The so-called “national bank” of the occupied Tskhinvali region issued a commemorative coin titled “SVO” (Special Military Operation, or “Специальная военная операция” in Russian), a term used by Russia for its full-scale war against Ukraine, dedicated to participants in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The organization said the coin was “dedicated to the unprecedented strength of will, courage, valor, heroism and bravery of fighters participating in the SVO.”
According to the “national bank,” the coin was gifted to Russia’s leadership. The commemorative issue has a denomination of 25 “zarin” (250 Russian rubles). It was also reported that the entire issue revenue of 11% was allocated to support participants in the “SVO.”
- “Defense Ministry” of Occupied Tskhinvali Region Holds Training on Tactics of “Hypothetical Enemy and Armed Groups”
The de facto “defense ministry” of the occupied Tskhinvali region held tactical and special training exercises for units of a rifle brigade.
According to the de facto ministry, the training focused on “studying the tactical actions of a hypothetical enemy and armed groups.” Military personnel were provided with recommendations on countering such groups, while issues related to their equipment, weapons, structure and numbers were also examined.
Special attention was given to the use of various tactical methods under different operational conditions. The so-called ministry said such exercises are held regularly to improve personnel training, expand military knowledge and develop tactical thinking.
- “KGB” of Occupied Tskhinvali Region Reports Detaining 184 People for Border Regime Violations in First Half of 2026
The so-called “border service” of the de facto “state security committee” (“KGB”) of the occupied Tskhinvali region reported on its activities during the first half of 2026.
According to the agency, 184 people were detained during this period for “border-related” violations, including 54 for violating the “state border” regime and 129 for violating the “border regime.” Another person was detained for disobeying the service’s personnel.
Following proceedings, 99 violators received warnings, 63 people were fined, and nine were expelled from the region. Criminal cases were launched against four individuals, while inquiries into seven cases are ongoing.
The total amount of collected fines was 185,500 Russian rubles (approximately $2,400).
The agency also reminded residents about the need to obtain special permits to visit certain border areas, as well as to hunt and fish in border zones, warning of administrative and criminal liability for violating established rules.
Moscow-Tbilisi
- Russian Interests Section: Georgian Schoolchildren Complete Participation in International “Memory Train” Project
Georgian schoolchildren have completed their participation in the anniversary season of the international “Memory Train” project, dedicated to the history of the “Great Patriotic War” (the term still used in Russia for the part of World War II that took place on the territory of the Soviet Union), the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia reported on social media.
The statement said that participants from Georgia, Belarus, Russia and other countries visited 13 cities across Belarus and Russia. The route began at the Brest Fortress and ended in Minsk, where representatives of the delegations took part in commemorative events.
Russian Senator Konstantin Kosachev highlighted the importance of Georgian schoolchildren’s participation, expressing hope for the development of humanitarian ties between the countries. Belarusian representative Alexander Lukyanov emphasized the contribution of Georgians to the liberation of Belarus during the war and noted the role of the multinational Soviet people in achieving victory.
Also Read:
- 04/07/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 26-July 2, 2026
- 19/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 12-18, 2026
- 12/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – June 5-11, 2026
- 05/06/2026 – Sokhumi, Tskhinvali, Moscow Digest – May 29-June 4, 2026
