Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania has resigned following widespread protests against an investment deal, which opponents claim would increase Russian influence in the region. Demonstrators in the capital,

"For the sake of preservation of stability in the country, President Aslan Bzhania filed his resignation," Gunba said, TASS reported. According to Bzhania’s statement, published by the president’s press office, he resigned "for the purpose of preservation of stability and constitutional order in the country.".

Aslan Bzhania's resignation will take effect once protesters withdraw and disperse from government property, according to an announcement from the Russian proxy leader's press service.