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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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PressReader.com – Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions =f}function b(){var t=o();if(m(t))return x(t);d=setTimeout(b,function(t){var n=e-(t-p);return y?a(n,f-(t-h)):n}(t))}function x(t){return d=void 0,g&&u?w(t):(u=s=void 0,l)}function _(){var t=o(),n=m(t);if(u=arguments,s=this,p=t,n){if(void 0===d)return function(t){return h=t,d=setTimeout(b,e),v?w(t):l}(p);if(y)return clearTimeout(d),d=setTimeout(b,e),w(p)}return void 0===d&&(d=setTimeout(b,e)),l}return e=i(e)||0,r(n)&&(v=!!n.leading,f=(y=”maxWait”in n)?c(i(n.maxWait)||0,e):f,g=”trailing”in n?!!n.trailing:g),_.cancel=function(){void 0!==d&&clearTimeout(d),h=0,u=p=s=d=void 0},_.flush=function(){return void 0===d?l:x(o())},_}},97:function(t){t.exports=function(t,e){return t===e||t!=t&&e!=e}},787:function(t,e,n){var r=n(271),o=n(400);t.exports=function(t){if(!o(t))return!1;var e=r(t);return”[object Function]”==e||”[object GeneratorFunction]”==e||”[object AsyncFunction]”==e||”[object 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UN mission’s exit marks milestone in Iraq’s post-conflict transition

In an interview with UN News, Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and UNAMI chief, said the Mission’s end reflects how far Iraq has come since it was set up in 2003, when the country was emerging from decades of dictatorship, regional wars and the terror wrought by ISIL – known more widely in the Middle East as Da’esh.

“When UNAMI started, Iraq used to be a very different place than today”, he told UN News. Just days into the mission in August 2003 the UN came under attack at its Baghdad headquarters, leaving 22 staffers dead and over 100 wounded.

A truck bomb destroyed the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003.

A truck bomb destroyed the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003.

Today, a new era has dawned: “With the sacrifices of the Iraqis first and foremost, and with international support, in particular the United Nations, Iraq believes it is ready to move to another phase, solidifying its sovereignty and territorial integrity. I wholeheartedly believe that Iraq is ready for that.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will travel to Baghdad to join Iraqis and the diplomatic community in marking the Mission’s closure – an event he called a clear signal that this is “mission accomplished”.

Democratic progress

Mr. Al Hassan said Iraq’s recent political developments underscore how dramatically the country has stabilised.

The parliamentary elections held in November, which UNAMI supported, were widely viewed as among the most credible to date. With a 56 per cent voter turnout, they were also a demonstration of renewed public engagement.

“It was the most fair, free and peaceful elections,” he said. “When you see an election that fair and democratic, you know that that’s a belief in a new Iraq.”

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IRAQ MISSION UNAMI CLOSING

1.Wide shot, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, speaking at the interview

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mohamed Al Hassan, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI):

“When this United Nations assistance mission for Iraq started in2003, Iraq used to be a very different place than today. Thank God, with the help of the Iraqis, the sacrifices of the Iraqis first and foremost, and the support of the international community, in particular the United Nations. Iraq believes they are ready to move to another phase of development of solidifying their own sovereignty and territorial integrity. I wholeheartedly, even personally believe that Iraq is ready for that. But they have to show us the zeal on the part of the Iraqis that they can take things into their hands in the most proper, peaceful and dignified manner.”

3.Wide shot, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, speaking at the interview

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mohamed Al Hassan, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI):

“We managed to help the Iraqis with the help of the international community and the coalition to defeat Daesh. That’s a big entitlement to tell you the truth. Without the help of the United Nations and the international community, the Iraqis will have no way to defeat Daesh.”

5.Wide shot, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, speaking at the interview

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Mohamed Al Hassan, Head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI):

“My hope is that for a country that will become a member of the Human Rights Council, they have to act as such. And this has been the message, even my message before the Security Council to the Iraqis. They need to work on…

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UN chief to visit Baghdad Saturday to mark end of UNAMI mission

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to visit Baghdad on Saturday to mark the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

Guterres is expected to “express his gratitude to the Mission’s staff members and to the Government and people of Iraq for hosting UNAMI for 22 years,” according to a statement from his office.

While in Baghdad, the secretary-general will hold bilateral meetings with Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the statement added.

UNAMI was established in 2003 at the request of Iraqi authorities. Although it does not directly implement humanitarian or development programs, the mission has played a key role in coordinating the work of more than 20 UN agencies operating in the country. Its chief also serves as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq.

The mission’s mandate, renewed annually by the UN Security Council, is set to expire on December 31, 2025, following a request by Sudani in May 2024. The Iraqi premier said at the time that improved security and political stability have reduced the need for the mission’s continued presence.

UNAMI’s responsibilities have included facilitating political dialogue among Iraqi factions and between Iraq and neighboring states, supporting electoral processes, monitoring human rights, and coordinating humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas. Critics warn that ending the mission could diminish international oversight, particularly during future elections.

Guterres began a tour of the Middle East on Wednesday, with his first stop in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss pressing regional developments.

Following his trip to Baghdad, he will return to Saudi Arabia to participate in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, scheduled for December 14-15 in Riyadh.

The secretary-general will conclude his regional tour with a visit to Oman, where he is expected…

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The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, stability and prosperity: UK statement at the UN Security Council

As the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) closes this month and Iraq continues to progress, the United Kingdom encourages a continued focus on priorities that will underpin Iraq’s long-term stability and prosperity. 

These include upholding Iraq’s sovereignty and constructive engagement with international partners, strengthening the rule of law and the effectiveness of state institutions, and delivering urgent economic reforms to create opportunities for all Iraqis. 

We also urge greater efforts to tackle corruption and diversify Iraq’s economy. The United Kingdom stands ready to support Iraq in making progress on these objectives.

The recent parliamentary elections were a significant milestone, and we commend the determination of the Iraqi people to shape their future through the ballot box. We hope to see a swift conclusion to the process of government formation.

We also commend the efforts of all those involved in delivering the electoral process including the support offered by UNAMI.

As this UN Security Council chapter closes, we hope that Iraq will continue to partner with the United Nations, particularly on human rights. The United Kingdom welcomes steps to improve women’s political participation in Iraq. 

We encourage the Iraqi authorities to enact robust child protection and women’s rights legislation, and to ensure all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence receive the accountability and support they deserve.

On the missing persons file, we welcome the recent handover of 400 boxes of Kuwaiti national archive materials by Iraq. We commend the cooperation on this important issue between all relevant stakeholders, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, and we echo the Secretary-General’s call for continued efforts in this regard. 

We look forward to the upcoming appointment of a Senior Representative to support meaningful cooperation on this file, particularly around identifying new witnesses, harnessing modern technology, and sustaining momentum on outstanding cases of missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals.

The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, and prosperity, and stands ready to support the…

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