Some Pankisi Residents Demand A Change in ‘Elders’ Leadership Structure
The population of the Pankisi Gorge is expressing opposition to the Council of Elders and demanding a new union, reports the television network Rustavi 2.
The Council of Elders is an informal body that arbitrates conflicts in the area. DF Watch explains, “the council has a long history [in Pankisi]. Its role is to mediate and decide on punishment after such disruptive events as murders, fights and family feuds.” The Council has “always had the decisive word in processes taking place there.”
The Council has existed in Pankisi for as long as anyone can remember – probably since the Kist population settled in the area from Chechnya in the early-mid 19th century. There are 35 Council members who are elected annually by an assembly of Pankisi residents.
Now, though, some Pankisi residents are demanding a change in the traditional structure of the Council of Elders. Discussion of creating an alternative union of elders began after last month’s rallies demanding the government recognize 19-year-old Temirlan Machalikashvili as innocent and punish those responsible for his death. Machalikashvili died from a bullet wound to the head during a special operation in Pankisi in late December 2017. His father, Malkhaz Machalikashvili, was actively involved in the early June protests on Rustaveli Ave. in front of the Parliament building, standing alongside Zaza Saralidze, the father of murdered high schooler David Saralidze.
Rustavi2 reports that public opinion split with the Council of Elders over the Machalikashvili operation. Tensions were further strained over plans to build three new hydropower plants in the area. On Friday there was a rally against the construction of the plant but members of the Council did not attend or show their support for the protesters. A new People’s Assembly has now been established as an alternative voice to the Council of Elders, and there is discussion that younger people might be able to join the People’s Assembly.
On July 20, hydropower plant protestors wrote an open letter, addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Parliamentary Speaker, Public Defender, and diplomatic missions to Georgia, which the authors claim was signed by approximately 3,000 supporters. The letter urged Georgian leaders to cancel the planned construction and instead focus on “alternative, sustainable economic development” for Pankisi. There are already two hydropower plants in the Alazani Valley, and some residents claim that the additional plants would make life “practically impossible,” according to the letter. Protesters are concerned that the industrial facilities would damage the Alazani River’s ecosystem leading to water shortages for pastures, drinking, and irrigation, and reduce the region’s bourgeoning tourism potential, which is connected mainly to its natural environment.
The conflict between Pankisi’s youth and its elders is a major concern for residents. The open letter also warned that failures to enforce government policies in the area is “alienating the local community and widening mistrust, especially among youth.”
By Samantha Guthrie
Photo: Kachangas, Flickr
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