On April 2, Badra Gunba was sworn in as the sixth de facto president of separatist Abkhazia during an inauguration ceremony held in Sukhumi. The event was attended by separatist South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev, First Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration Sergei Kirienko, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy, and Chairman of the Duma Defense Committee Andrei Kartapolov.

After Gunba took the oath of office, Speaker of Parliament Lasha Ashuba presented him with the presidential symbols, which included the presidential standard, a seal bearing the state emblem, a saber symbolizing his role as commander-in-chief, and the national Abkhazian staff (alabashcha), representing state wisdom. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Gunba on his inauguration and invited him to Moscow for the 80th-anniversary Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

In his inaugural address, Gunba expressed gratitude to the people of Abkhazia for their participation in the election process and emphasized the importance of national unity. He recalled the leadership of Vladislav Ardzinba and Sergei Bagapsh in securing Abkhazia’s independence, announcing that 2025 would be declared "The Year of Vladislav Ardzinba" to honor the founding figures of modern Abkhazia.

Gunba outlined his key priorities, stressing the need to strengthen state institutions, encourage youth participation in governance, and implement constitutional reforms in cooperation with the legislative and judicial branches. He also highlighted the importance of improving living standards by investing in education, healthcare, energy, and law enforcement while ensuring that Abkhazia adapts to ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Gunba reaffirmed Abkhazia’s alliance with Russia, pledging to strengthen the republic’s sovereignty with Moscow’s support. He emphasized that Russia’s recognition of Abkhazia’s independence in 2008 was a turning point and expressed gratitude to Putin for continued assistance. Acknowledging the participation of Abkhazian fighters in Russia's "Special Military Operation," he declared Abkhazia's full alignment with Russia’s geopolitical stance.

He also welcomed international delegations from Russia, South Ossetia, the North Caucasus republics, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Transnistria, reaffirming his commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic ties. Concluding his speech, Gunba pledged to serve Abkhazia by protecting its sovereignty, fostering economic development, and preserving its cultural and historical heritage.