Vladimir Mikanba

Vladimir Tach-ipa Mikanba (Abkhaz: Владимир Тач-иҧа Мқанба, Russian: Владимир Тачевич Миканба) was the Minister of Defence of the partially recognised Republic of Abkhazia from 1996 until 2002.

Early life and career

Vladimir Mikanba was born 23 September 1931 in New Athos in the Gudauta district of what was then the Abkhazian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1960 he graduated from the Moscow road institute. From 1960 to 1975 Mikanba held various positions within the Sukhumi taxi organisation. In March 1985 Vladimir Mikanba was appointed Minister for Local Industry of the Abkhazian ASSR a position he held only until July of the same year. From 1989 until 1992 Mikanba was Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

Vice Premier and Minister of Defence

From 1992 until 1999 Vladimir Mikanba was Vice Premier of Abkhazia, which became de facto independent during this time. In 1996 he also became Minister of Defence, succeeding Sultan Sosnaliyev, a position he held until 2002 when he was succeeded by later Prime Minister and Vice President Raul Khadjimba.

Death

Mikanba died on 22 February 2010 at the age of 79.^[1]

Sources

• Лакоба, Станислав (2004). «Абхазия после двух империй XIX—XXI вв.» // 21st Century COE Program Slavic Eurasian Studies — No. 5. Sapporo: Slavic Research Center, Hokudai University.