Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, summary the Security Council in New York, warned that “public frustration is running high”, as too many people have lost all faith in politicians.
Their prolonged inaction has sparked protests and protests, culminating in deadly clashes this past August.
Direct Consequences, Continuous Volatility
“These tragic developments are undeniably the result of the helplessness of the Iraqi political class,” she told the ambassadors.
“In other words: actors worldwide does not put the national interest first. They left the country in a protracted stalemate, adding to already smoldering anger.”
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said the situation remained volatile. Although parliament resumed in late September, clashes have occurred between protesters and security forces, among other acts of violence.
“And we haven’t seen the end of it yet. Last night, after three days of rocket attack, Basra saw intense fighting, while smaller incidents were reported in other southern capitals,” she reported.
Despite renewed calls for elections, she wonders what guarantees are in place to ensure they won’t be held again in vain.
Remembering the protests of 2019
This past Saturday, October 1, 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 seriously injured, kidnapped, threatened, or threatened.
The protests led to the resignation of the previous government and in early elections held last October.
“In other words, and I’ve said it often: last year’s elections were hard to come by. And with this in mind, the absence of a functioning government 12 months later is hardly justified,” she said.
Although new protests are expected on Saturday, turnout remains relatively low, the special envoy reported, “not because Iraqis are now suddenly content, but because of they don’t want to be instrumental in the ongoing power struggle – as was made clear by many of those taking to the streets in 2019. ”
No ‘magic wand’
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), has been supporting the national dialogue.
While reluctant to discuss the initiatives publicly, the special envoy revealed that she held “strong commitments” with the parties, including holding bilateral meetings on potential roadmaps and conducting foreign policy meetings. shuttle delivery.
“Believe me, we tried. Nonstop. That said, we don’t have magic wands. In the end, it’s all about political will‘ she told the Council.
Call 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 the risks of conflict and bloodshed still very clear, who did what then is no longer an option,” she stressed.
“Therefore, the time has come for Iraq’s leaders – all of them – to engage in dialogue, jointly identify Iraq’s core needs, and pull the country back from the cliff. In other words, All leaders should take responsibility and return attention where it should be: the Iraqi people. ”
Solve important problems
Regarding solutions, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized the need to “True and Timely Dialogue” with ready to compromise. Putting in place a functioning government is only the first step to overcoming the current crisis, she said.
The UN envoy added that a range of critical issues must also be addressed, primarily through the federal budget, while action towards transformative change must begin.
She pointed to 20 years of wasted opportunities for meaningful dialogue and much-needed reforms in Iraq, saying leaders must recognize that change system vital to the future of the country.
Anti-corruption, political patronage
This is also very important for fighting corruptionwhich she describes as “A core feature of the current political economy”. Past reform efforts, she said, have been “actively undermined or hindered”.
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also addressed the related problems of patronage dependence and consumerism, which have resulted in a bloated and inefficient public sector. Oil-rich Iraq is also a country where private and partisan interests have diverted resources from investing in national development.
“What I’m saying is Iraq’s political and governance system ignores the needs of the Iraqi people, or even worse, actively works against them. Currently, rampant corruption is the main root cause of dysfunction in Iraq. And frankly, no leader can claim to be shielded from that,” she said.
“Keeping the system as it is will be counterproductive, sooner or later. Which says, it is important to frame it correctly that: a systemrather than a collection of individuals or a sequence of events. ”
Respect Iraq’s sovereignty
Turning to other issues, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert condemned an Iranian attack in northern Iraq last week against Kurdish opposition groups.
Iran and Turkey have been carrying out shelling in the area, establishing a “new normal” for Iraq and she called for an end to “reckless acts” that have caused deaths and injuries.
“No neighboring country should consider Iraq as its backyard,” she said. “No neighbor is allowed to regularly, and without punishment, violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, it is happening. Time and again.”
