New York, 18 May 2022 (TDI): While discussing the current fiasco in Iraq regarding the political situation of the country, the Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, stressed the rapid formation of the new government and reforming political leadership to meet the aspirations of the people.
“National elections took place well over seven months ago, and multiple deadlines for forming a government have been missed,” the Special Representative told the Security Council.
She pointed out that the necessary willingness to compromise is absent in political leadership. She said that the notorious aspects of Iraq’s political life are repeating themselves in “a seemingly incessant loop of zero-sum politics.”
She shared the expectations of the Iraqi people waiting for the political leadership to make headway on the country’s long list of outstanding domestic priorities.
These include good service delivery to all citizens to end pervasive corruption, factionalism, and pillaging of State institutions.
Ensuring Accountability
The UNAMI Chief also emphasized the diversification of the economy and the implementation of desperately required reforms.
She highlighted the need for predictable governance rather than constant crisis management and stressed making accountability a vital feature of the State.
Moreover, she said that predictable governance rather than constant crisis management is needed, stressing that accountability must be a vital feature of the State.
She underscored that the government must rein non-state armed actors for the country’s sovereignty. “The neglect of the population’s most basic needs has gone on for far too long,” she added.
Sinjar Agreement
While referring to the pending state of the Sinjar Agreement and the rising domestic vulnerabilities due to it, the UN Representative remarked that it is a glimmer of hope and an essential step in the right direction.
She pointed out that it requires stable governance and security structures. “There is no agreement on selecting a new independent mayor, and funds for a new local security force remain blocked, possibly due to interference into unclear recruitment procedures,”
