During the founding congress, the organisation was addressed by former President Vladislav Ardzinba. Some speakers regretted the fact that Amtsakhara, the veteran organisation founded shortly after the 1992-1993 war, had turned into a political organisation. On 14 July 2010, Chairman Vadim Smyr announced his resignation. On 20 July, Aruaa's Supreme Council decided that it did not accept Smyr's resignation, and that he would remain Chairman at least until the next congress of the organisation. On 4 March 2016, Aruaa condemned a planned referendum to hold an early presidential election.