Shiite religious leader Muqtada Sadr announced today that he is quitting political life in Iraq and closing his party offices. After the announcement, dozens of supporters stormed the Palace of the Republic in Baghdad and violent demonstrations took to the streets of the capital.
The Sadrists are the main force in the Parliament, with 73 of the 329 elected deputies.
After 20 years of active participation in Iraqi politics, he wrote on his Twitter account, “I have decided not to get involved in political matters any longer. Therefore, I am now declaring my final retirement.”
The rally came just two days after Sadr recommended that all “political-confessional” leaders step down from key political roles to promote “national reform” that would allow a new government to be formed. He had also given an “ultimatum” for justice to dissolve the current government “within 72 hours”.
The crisis in Iraq has been going on for almost 11 months, after the elections in October last year, the leaders could not decide who would be the prime minister, let alone the new president.
The chief executive position continues to be held by Moustafa Al-Kadhimi, who has been in office since May 2020. The interim leader even called on Sadr to ask his supporters to leave the occupied federal building this Monday and leave the streets of the capital. Baghdad to reduce tensions in the country.
Al-Kadhimi will also be led by the military and has declared an indefinite curfew for the capital from 15:30 (local time). According to the “Al-Irakiya” broadcaster, the military is already on the streets and security sources have asked civilians to return to their homes.
In addition to the Palace of the Republic, Sadr’s supporters have been camping in front of public buildings for weeks and had already occupied Parliament last month. But the situation is still one of intense crisis, with clashes erupting in the streets between protesters and the armed forces. The number of clashes is not yet official, but “Al Jazeera” and “Al-Arabiya” stations are reporting “dozens injured” and at least two dead on the streets of Baghdad.
Image: ALAA AL-MARJANI/REUTERS
Citing intelligence sources, the two televisions claim there were “pro-Iranian militias” among the protesters who were said to have used automatic rifles in the middle of the protests.
These groups are historical opponents of those who support Sadr in politics.
It is not possible to independently verify the information.
Image: AHMED SAAD/REUTERS
The worst case is in the so-called Green Zone, a more fortified area with diplomatic headquarters, government buildings and official residences. Also, according to local media, US helicopters are flying overhead to monitor the situation.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) issued a statement asking protesters to “immediately” leave the Green Zone and public buildings, warning that “the survival of the Iraqi state itself” is at stake.
The note said, “Current developments represent a very dangerous escalation. State institutions should work unhindered.”
source: Noticias
