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Era of international missions in Iraq is over, caretaker PM declares

2025-12-20T09:06:54+00:00

Shafaq News – Baghdad

Iraq no longer needs international missions on its territory, caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said on Saturday, pointing to the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the drawdown of the Global Coalition.

Speaking at an official ceremony marking the Iraqi Martyr Day, Al-Sudani explained that the conclusion of both missions underscored what he described as Iraq’s “regained sovereignty” after years of conflict and foreign intervention.

The winding down of the Coalition’s military role against ISIS and the closure of UNAMI marked a shift in Iraq’s relations with international partners, from security-focused engagement to normal state-to-state cooperation, he added.

The caretaker PM also called on political forces to swiftly form the next government, describing the transition as a critical test for Iraq’s democratic process.

UNAMI, established in 2003 under a United Nations Security Council mandate following the US-led invasion, is set to end its work on December 31, 2025, after a final extension requested by Baghdad.

Meanwhile, the US-led Coalition has begun a phased withdrawal from Iraq, scheduled to run through September 2026. The plan envisages departures from Baghdad, followed by a reduced US presence of fewer than 500 personnel in Erbil before their redeployment to Kuwait.



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‘You carried the flag with honour’: Minister welcomes home Iraq veterans

“You carried the flag of Fiji with honour, discipline, and courage,” acknowledged the Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, as he officially welcomed home 156 soldiers returning from Iraq last night.

The arrival marks a historic milestone for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), signaling the conclusion of Fiji’s deployment under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which officially wraps up this year.

the Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, as he officially welcomed home 156 soldiers returning from Iraq last night.

Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua officially welcomed home 156 soldiers returning from Iraq last night.

Photo: DEPTFO News

Emotional scenes of relief and joy filled Nadi International Airport as families and friends gathered late into the night to embrace their loved ones after months of separation.

Following the reunion at the terminal, the contingent was transported to Black Rock Camp in Votualevu, Nadi for a formal welcoming ceremony.

Mr Tikoduadua, accompanied by the Commander Joint Task Force Command (JTFC), Brigadier Manoa Gadai, praised the personnel for their professionalism in a volatile region.

“I am proud to welcome you home safely,” the Minister told the gathered troops. “Your safe return is something we are deeply thankful for.”

A total of 156 Fiji Military personnel returned home last night after completing their Peacekeeping Assistance mission in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

A total of 156 Fiji Military personnel returned home last night after completing their Peacekeeping Assistance mission in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Photo: DEPTFO News

Leadership and sacrifice

A significant portion of the Minister’s address was dedicated to the mission’s leadership. He acknowledged the immense pressure placed on senior officers to ensure the safety of those under their command.

“It is never easy to lead on…

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Iraq, Prime Minister Al Sudani: “We no longer need international missions on the ground”

© Agenzia Nova – Reproduction reserved

Iraq no longer needs international missions on its soil, Iraq’s interim prime minister said today. Mohammed Shia al Sudani, emphasizing the imminent end of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the gradual withdrawal of the International Coalition against the Islamic State. Speaking at an official ceremony marking Iraqi Martyrs’ Day, Al Sudani explained that the conclusion of both missions demonstrates Iraq’s “regained sovereignty” after years of conflict and foreign intervention.

The outgoing prime minister in Baghdad stressed that the reduction in the military role of the international coalition and the closure of UNAMI mark a shift in Iraq’s relations with its partners, moving from a security-focused engagement to normal cooperation between states.

UNAMI, established in 2003 under a mandate from the United Nations Security Council, is scheduled to end its operations on December 31, according to the agreement. At the same time, the US-led Coalition against the Islamic State will continue its gradual withdrawal from the country until September 2026. The plan calls for its withdrawal from Baghdad and a reduced US presence in Erbil to fewer than 500 personnel.

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Sudani: The end of the UNAMI and international coalition mission is a sign of the consolidation of Iraqs sovereignty

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) – International Service: According to the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement information site, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Sudani said in his speech at the official ceremony on the occasion of Iraqi Martyrs’ Day: Iraq has witnessed exceptional activity over the past three years, which is an achievement for Iraq, its people, and its national forces.

 

Sudani stated that the most notable of these achievements is the end of the international coalition mission against ISIS and the end of UNAMI’s activities in Iraq, which indicates the strength of Iraq’s sovereignty and the independence of its political decision.

 

The Iraqi Prime Minister, referring to the recognition of Iraq’s political and security success by the United Nations and the international community, stated that Iraq has established balanced relations with its regional and international environment as a state with full sovereignty and armed forces capable of maintaining security.

 

Al-Sudani said that after achieving these achievements, the Iraqi people turned to elections and strengthened the democratic process, which shows support for the results of the government’s continuous work and priorities.

 

He added that the Iraqi parliamentary elections witnessed effective participation, which can be described as an important turning point in consolidating the country’s democratic process.

 

The Iraqi Prime Minister called on the national forces to seize the opportunity and fulfill their legal obligations through an independent national decision.

 

He stressed that hope has returned to all of Iraqi society and the wheel of development has been set in motion, and Iraq welcomes all constructive partnerships with friendly and brotherly countries.

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156 RFMF personnel return home from UN Mission in Iraq

Emotional scenes were witnessed at the Nadi International Airport as 156 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel returned home after completing their peacekeeping mission in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Families and loved ones gathered in numbers to welcome the soldiers home after months of service overseas.

The contingent was later transported to Blackrock Camp in Votualevu, where an official welcoming ceremony was held.

The Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, officially welcomed the returning personnel, marking the conclusion of Fiji’s deployment under the UNAMI Mission, which ends this year.

He was accompanied by the Commander Joint Task Force Command, Brigadier Manoa Gadai.

Tikoduadua praised the contingent for their professionalism and dedication, acknowledging the sacrifices made while representing Fiji on the international stage.

He says he is proud to welcome them home safely, adding that they carried the flag of Fiji with honour, discipline and courage in a challenging environment.

The Minister also paid tribute to the leaders and senior officers who commanded the mission, highlighting the responsibility of leadership during overseas deployments.

He says leadership on tour is never easy, and a commander’s greatest responsibility is to ensure every soldier returns home alive and well.

Tikoduadua encouraged the returning personnel to reconnect with their families and make good use of their time at home.

He urged them to spend quality time with loved ones and dedicate their resources and financial gains towards the families who supported them during their deployment.

The return of the 156 personnel marks the end of Fiji’s contribution to the UNAMI Mission, closing another chapter in the country’s long and respected history of United Nations peacekeeping service.

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Sudani: End of Coalition and UNAMI Missions Symbolizes Iraq’s Sovereignty Consolidation

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani declared at the Iraqi Martyrs’ Day ceremony that the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission against ISIS and the end of UNAMI’s activities signify the consolidation of Iraq’s sovereignty and the independence of its political decision-making.

Speaking at the official event, Sudani stated that over the past three years, Iraq has witnessed developments that have brought important achievements for the country, its people, and national forces. He described these changes as the result of a continuous process in political and security fields.

According to Sudani, the end of the international coalition’s mission and UNAMI’s operations is among the most prominent of these accomplishments, demonstrating that Iraq has been able to reinforce its sovereignty and make independent political decisions.

The Prime Minister referenced assessments from the United Nations and the international community, noting that these institutions have recognized Iraq’s political and security successes. He said that Baghdad has now established balanced relations with its regional and international environment and is acknowledged as a fully sovereign country with capable armed forces.

Sudani also mentioned that following these developments, Iraqi citizens contributed to strengthening the democratic process by participating in elections—a participation that, according to him, reflects the people’s support for the government’s performance and its priorities.

He described the parliamentary election participation as effective and a milestone for consolidating the country’s democratic process. In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on national forces to address their legal obligations through independent national decisions, emphasizing that social hope has returned and that the path to development continues with a welcoming approach to constructive cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries.

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UNAMI ends mission in Iraq: A fragile state left behind

The termination of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), established in 2003 by a UN Security Council resolution following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, marks a significant moment in today’s Baghdad.

The mission, designed to guide Iraq through its transitional phase by providing political advice, supporting national dialogue and reconciliation, overseeing elections, enhancing human rights, monitoring violations, coordinating humanitarian aid, and restoring stability after sectarian violence, cited a “request from the Iraqi government” for its departure. This decision suggests that the UN’s work over two decades of Iraq’s democratic transition remains unresolved.

The formal request, submitted by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in a letter to the UN Secretary-General on May 8, 2024, coincides with parallel demands by his political allies within the Coordination Framework – a coalition of Shiite political forces closely linked to armed factions – for the end of the US-led international coalition’s mission and the withdrawal of American forces, scheduled for September 2026.

Observers interpret this synchronized push as an attempt to eliminate remaining international oversight over Iraq’s political, security, and humanitarian landscape. This is particularly notable given the discomfort of Iraq’s ruling establishment with reports presented to the UN Security Council by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, highlighting democratic stagnation, corruption, unchecked militia power, Iranian influence, and the killing of protesters during the October 2019 uprising.

Hennis-Plasschaert’s remark that “the political system in Iraq is unsustainable” positioned the UN mission as a perceived threat to forces controlling power, weapons, and financial resources – factors contributing to the urgency behind ending the mandate.

While the Iraqi government framed the termination as a reclaiming of sovereignty, the reality suggests little achievement. Democratic setbacks persist, trust in institutions is declining, political participation is limited, and militias maintain near-total control over decisions. Freedom of expression is under…

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ISHM: December 11 – 18, 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • POLITICS: Iraq Marks End of UN Mission; Top Court Ratifies Election Results; Basra Locals Initiate Autonomy Bid – On December 13, UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Baghdad to mark the approaching conclusion of the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI). Last year, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to end UNAMI’s mission on December 31, 2025. Guterres said that Iraq “is now a normal country, and relations between the UN and Iraq will become normal relations with the end of UNAMI,” adding that “today’s Iraq is unrecognizable and remarkable” compared to the violent early years of its transition. Guterres stressed that UNAMI’s departure does not mean the end of cooperation between Iraq and the UN, noting that “many UN agencies, funds, and specialized programs will remain here, continuing their vital development work in support of Iraq and Iraqis.” Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani said the end of UNAMI’s work reflects Iraq’s achievement of “full self-reliance.” On December 14, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ratified the final results of the November parliamentary elections and confirmed the list of winners submitted by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on December 8. The following day, President Abdullatif Rashid issued a decree instructing the incoming parliament to convene its first session on Monday, December 29. On December 18, IHEC officials in Basra said the commission approved a request by civil society organizations to release official forms to collect endorsements for a proposal to create a federal region in the province—a sensitive issue long opposed by ruling parties. Endorsement by 2% of voters will trigger the next legal step, requiring 10% of Basra’s eligible voters to support the proposal before a referendum can be held. In other developments, on December 12, Guterres nominated former Iraqi President Barham Salih to head the UN refugee agency….

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GATEWAY TO THE EAST Iraqis bid farewell to the UN mission, look with trepidation to the future government

Milan (AsiaNews) – After more than 20 years, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is winding down its operations in the Mideast country. During this period, it has experienced wars, political upheavals, and the fight against the Islamic State (IS).

To mark the end of its mandate on 31 December, a closure that one of its top officials describes as “honourable, dignified, and earned”, a closing ceremony was held on the evening of December 13 in the capital, in the presence of high-ranking political and religious figures, both Muslim and Christian, including the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako.

Among the officials in attendance were United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and Iraq’s outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, who praised the international organisation for its role over the past 22 years, a “period marked by challenges, hope, and determination,” reads a statement by the Prime Minister Media Office.

The latter added that UNAMI was “a vital partner in supporting and assisting Iraq following its liberation from dictatorship and in establishing a new system based on democracy and free representation of all its components.”

UNAMI: Sacrifice and Support

UNAMI chief Mohamed Al Hassan, who also serves as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, explained that the end of the mission reflects the transformation the country has undergone since its establishment in 2003, following decades of dictatorship, war, and terror.

Over the years, UNAMI has provided critical support in many areas: political stabilisation, inclusive national dialogue, and community reconciliation in conflict-affected areas. It has also played a central role in election assistance, contributing to multiple rounds of local and national elections.

“When UNAMI started, Iraq used to be a very different place than today,” Al Hassan said, citing one event above all others. A…

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