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    Home > Finance > Leader of Russian-backed breakaway region Abkhazia warns of 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid energy shortages
    Finance

    Leader of Russian-backed breakaway region Abkhazia warns of 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid energy shortages

    Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

    Posted on December 21, 2024

    2 min read

    Last updated: January 27, 2026

    The image illustrates the aftermath of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, crucial to Kyiv's military capabilities. This highlights the intensifying conflict and its implications for global finance and security.
    Russian military operations targeting Ukrainian energy facilities amid ongoing conflict - Global Banking & Finance Review
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    Quick Summary

    Abkhazia faces a severe electricity shortage, risking a humanitarian crisis. The leader appeals to Russia for help, as power is limited to under three hours daily.

    Abkhazia Leader Warns of Energy Crisis Amid Russian Support Delay

    (Reuters) - The leader of Abkhazia, a breakaway Georgian region backed by Russia, warned on Saturday that the republic was facing a "humanitarian catastrophe" due to a critical shortage of electricity.

    Badra Gunba, Abkhazia's self-styled president, said on Saturday he had appealed to Russia again for assistance with electricity supplies after the acting energy minister said earlier this week that Moscow had not replied to the republic's requests for help.

    Earlier this month, the Abkhazian state energy company, Chernomorenergo, said it was reducing electricity supplies to less than three hours during the day to cope with dwindling supplies.

    "Turning off the light for 9-11 hours a day is a verdict on the healthcare and education systems," Gunba said in a video address posted to his official Telegram channel on Saturday.

    "Abkhazia may face a humanitarian catastrophe. We found ourselves in total darkness, literally and figuratively," he said.

    A lush subtropical territory on the Black Sea coast, Abkhazia broke from Georgia's control in a war after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, during which hundreds of thousands of ethnic Georgians fled the region.

    Moscow has long supported it and another breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, and recognised them as independent after winning a five-day war against Georgia in 2008.

    Abkhazia was plunged into crisis last month when protesters stormed its parliament in opposition to an investment agreement with Russia. Its then-president Aslan Bzhania was forced to resign, and Gunba, vice president at the time, became the interim leader.

    The crisis was made more acute by Moscow's decision in September to suspend social payments to Abkhazia that had been used to pay salaries of state employees including doctors and teachers.

    Electricity shortages, common in Abkhazia in the winter months, began in early December when low water levels at the Enguri hydroelectric dam forced an emergency shutdown.

    On Thursday, an Abkhazian lawmaker was shot dead by another deputy outside parliament in the capital Sukhumi.

    The attack happened as lawmakers were preparing to debate legislation to ban cryptocurrency mining, local media reported, which exacerbates the local electricity problems due to the large amounts of energy it requires.

    (Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

    Key Takeaways

    • •Abkhazia faces severe electricity shortages, risking a humanitarian crisis.
    • •The region's leader has appealed to Russia for help with electricity supplies.
    • •Electricity is limited to less than three hours a day.
    • •The crisis is exacerbated by cryptocurrency mining demands.
    • •Abkhazia's political instability adds to the energy crisis.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Leader of Russian-backed breakaway region Abkhazia warns of 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid energy shortages

    1What is the main topic?

    The main topic is the energy crisis in Abkhazia and its potential humanitarian impact.

    2Why is Abkhazia facing an energy crisis?

    Abkhazia is facing an energy crisis due to low water levels at the Enguri dam and lack of Russian support.

    3How is cryptocurrency mining affecting Abkhazia?

    Cryptocurrency mining in Abkhazia exacerbates electricity shortages due to its high energy consumption.

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