Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has called for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (Unami) to conclude its operations by the end of 2025. Al Sudani stated that the progress made by Iraq towards stability renders Unami’s political efforts unnecessary, and Iraq aims to enhance collaboration with other UN agencies.
In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Al Sudani highlighted the significant advancements achieved by Iraq across various sectors falling under Unami’s mandate. The mission, stationed in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, was established post the 2003 US-led invasion to aid in building Iraqi institutions, facilitating political dialogues and elections, and advocating for human rights.
While supporters regard Unami’s interactions with top political, judicial, and security figures as crucial for conflict prevention and resolution, critics view it as undue interference. In recent years, Iraq has terminated several international missions, including the US-led coalition against ISIS and a UN initiative targeting accountability for the extremist group’s atrocities.
Iraq asserts its evolution beyond past sectarian strife and ISIS rule necessitates reduced international assistance. Yet, concerns linger regarding the country’s democratic stability amid ongoing conflicts involving well-armed military-political factions, eruptions of violence, and allegations of corruption.
Amid these apprehensions, diplomats and UN representatives stress the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in Iraq, a nation often plagued by corruption and limited freedom of expression according to activists. Iraq’s government claims to combat corruption actively and denies any constraints on freedom of speech.
