The absence of a functioning government in Iraq one year after elections were held is hard to justify, the top UN official in the country said on Tuesday, urging political leaders to put aside their differences for the common good.
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Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Representative in Iraq, briefed the Security Council in New York, warning that “public disillusion is running sky-high”, as too many citizens have lost all faith in politicians.
Their protracted inaction has sparked protests and counter-protests, culminating in deadly clashes this past August.
Dire consequences, ongoing volatility
“These tragic developments are indisputably the result of the inability of Iraq’s political class to cast the die,” she told ambassadors.
“In other words: actors across the spectrum failed to place the national interest first. They left the country in a prolonged impasse, further fuelling already simmering anger.”
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said the situation remains highly volatile. Although parliament resumed in late September, clashes occurred between protestors and security forces, among other acts of violence.
“And we have not seen the end of it yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attacks, Basra witnessed intense fighting, while smaller incidents were reported in other southern governorates,” she reported.
Despite renewed calls for elections, she wondered what guarantees are in place to ensure they will not again be held in vain.
Remembering 2019 protests
This past Saturday, 1 October, marked three years since thousands of Iraqis took to the streets in nationwide anti-corruption protests. Several hundred people were killed and many more were severely injured, abducted, threatened, or intimated.
The protests resulted in the previous government stepping down, and in early elections held last October.
“In other words, and I said it often: last year’s elections were extremely hard-earned. And with this in mind, the absence of a functioning government 12 months later is hard to justify,” she said.
Although new protests were expected on Saturday, turnout remained relatively low, the envoy reported, “not because Iraqis are now suddenly content, but because they do not wish to be instrumentalized in the ongoing power struggle – as made abundantly clear by many of those who took to the streets in 2019.”
No ‘magic wand’
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), has been supporting national dialogue.
While reluctant to discuss initiatives publicly, the envoy revealed that she has held “intense engagements” with the parties, including holding bilateral meetings on potential roadmaps and conducting shuttle diplomacy.
“Believe me, we tried. Non-stop. That said, we do not have a magic wand. Ultimately, it all comes down to political will,” she told the Council.
Appeal for dialogue
All sides have made “strategic mistakes and miscalculations” in the period since the election, she said, and they have missed valuable opportunities to resolve their differences.
“And with risks of further strife and bloodshed still very tangible, dwelling on who did what when is no longer an option,” she stressed.
“Hence, it is time for Iraq’s leaders – all of them – to engage in dialogue, collectively define core Iraqi needs and pull the country back from the ledge. In other words, all leaders should assume responsibility and return the spotlight where it must be: on the people of Iraq.”
Address critical issues
Regarding solutions, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert highlighted the need for “genuine and timely dialogue” alongside willingness to compromise. Delivering a functioning government is merely the first step to overcoming the current crisis, she said.
The UN envoy added that a wide range of critical issues also must be addressed, chiefly adoption of a federal budget, while action towards transformative change must begin.
She pointed to 20 years of wasted opportunities for meaningful dialogue and badly needed reforms in Iraq, saying leaders must acknowledge that systemic change is vital for the country’s future.
Fight corruption, political patronage
This is also critical to fight corruption, which she described as being “a core feature of the current political economy”. Previous reform efforts have been “actively undermined or obstructed”, she said.
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also addressed the related issue of reliance on patronage and clientelism, which has resulted in a ballooning, inefficient public sector. Oil-rich Iraq is also a country where private and partisan interests have led to resources being diverted from investment in national development.
“What I am saying is Iraq’s political and governance system ignores the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively works against them. Now, pervasive corruption is a major root cause of Iraqi dysfunctionality. And frankly, no leader can claim to be shielded from it,” she said.
“Keeping the system ‘as is’ will backfire, sooner rather than later. That said, it is important to frame it as precisely that: a system, rather than a collection of individuals or a series of events.”
Respect Iraqi sovereignty
Turning to other matters, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert condemned an Iranian attack in northern Iraq last week targeting Kurdish opposition groups.
Iran and Turkey have been conducting shelling in the region, establishing a “new normal” for Iraq, and she called for an end to these “reckless acts” which have caused deaths and injuries.
“No neighbour should treat Iraq as its backyard,” she said. “No neighbour should be allowed to routinely, and with impunity, violate Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet it is happening. Time and again.”
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
The absence of a functioning government in Iraq one year after elections were held is hard to justify. Political leaders need to prioritize the common good and put aside their differences for the sake of the country’s stability and progress.
It is truly disappointing to see the ongoing political deadlock in Iraq. The leaders should set aside their differences and focus on rebuilding the country for the people’s sake.
The absence of a functioning government in Iraq one year after elections were held is hard to justify, as urged by the top UN official in the country. Political leaders must put aside their differences for the common good. The public disillusion is running sky-high, with too many citizens having lost all faith in politicians. The tragic consequences of their protracted inaction have led to protests, counter-protests, and deadly clashes. The political class’s inability to prioritize the national interest has left the country in a prolonged impasse, escalating anger. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing clashes between protestors and security forces, indicating a turbulent path ahead.
Isn’t it concerning that a year after elections, there is still no functioning government in Iraq? Why are political leaders unable to work together for the country’s benefit?
It is indeed worrying that a year has passed since the elections in Iraq, and still, no functional government is in place. The inability of political leaders to collaborate for the nation’s welfare is deeply troubling and calls for immediate action.
Why has there been such a prolonged impasse in Iraq’s government formation despite the urgent need for progress?
Well, EmilySanders, the prolonged impasse in Iraq’s government formation can be attributed to the deep-rooted political rivalries and lack of willingness to prioritize the national interest over personal agendas. This has led to a stagnation in the decision-making process, further fueling public disillusionment and unrest. It is crucial for the political leaders in Iraq to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal for the betterment of the country.
In my opinion, the continued deadlock in Iraq due to the political leaders’ inability to prioritize the national interest is unacceptable. The ongoing protests and violence are clear indicators of the dire consequences of their inaction. It’s high time for them to set aside their differences and work together for the common good.
Is there any indication of a potential breakthrough in the stalled negotiations in Iraq after the recent clashes?
Given the current volatile situation in Iraq and the deep-rooted differences among political leaders, it is hard to predict a sudden breakthrough in the stalled negotiations. Both sides seem entrenched in their positions, making it challenging to find common ground for constructive dialogue.
Isn’t it concerning that a year after the elections, Iraq still doesn’t have a functioning government? What do you think needs to change for progress to be made?
It is indeed worrying that a year has passed since the elections in Iraq, and yet there is still no functioning government. The political leaders need to set aside their differences and prioritize the well-being of the nation. Cooperation and unity are essential to move forward and bring about positive change.
It is truly disappointing to see the ongoing deadlock in Iraq due to the political leaders’ inability to prioritize the common good. The citizens’ disillusionment with the government is completely justified, and the escalating protests are a clear indication of the dire consequences of their inaction. It is imperative for the political class to set aside their differences and work towards restoring faith in the system for the stability of the country.