A political crisis is brewing in Abkhazia, connected with the resignation of the Chairman of the State Security Service (SSS) Dmitry Kuchuberia and the introduction of entry restrictions for citizens who participated in the special military operation (SMO) as part of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the publication "Morning South" reports.

On February 17, Acting President of Abkhazia Valery Bganba signed a decree dismissing Dmitry Kuchuberia from the post of Chairman of the State Security Service. Colonel Alkhas Chichba was appointed acting head of the State Security Service. The official reasons for the resignation have not been disclosed, but analysts attribute this decision to insufficient control over the situation in the republic during the election campaign and elections.

At the same time, sentiments against Abkhazians who took part in the SVO or support the Russian position are growing in the republic. According to local media, on February 18, the Abkhazian authorities began restricting entry into the republic for their citizens who took part in military operations on the Russian side. This decision has caused concern among veterans and active military personnel who hold Abkhazian citizenship.

The situation is aggravated by political instability associated with the upcoming second round of presidential elections. Presidential candidate Badra Gunba assessed Kuchuberia's resignation as a violation of the November agreement between the authorities and the opposition, according to which the heads of the security forces were to retain their posts until the elections were completed. Gunba also expressed concern about the presence of armed individuals without Abkhaz citizenship in Sukhum, which, in his opinion, could destabilize the situation in the run-up to the elections.

On the other hand, candidate Adgur Ardzinba, who lost the first round of elections, supported the decision to dismiss the head of the SGB and demanded the expulsion of a number of people from the republic, including the commander of the Pyatnashka battalion, Akhra Avidzba, and his fighters. Ardzinba claims that the presence of these people threatens the security and sovereignty of Abkhazia.

Experts note that current events may have serious consequences for Abkhazia's domestic politics and its relations with Russia. Restrictions on entry for SVO participants and the resignation of high-ranking security officials may cause discontent among pro-Russian citizens and military personnel, which, in turn, may affect the outcome of the upcoming elections and the overall political climate in the republic.