Iraq has formally requested the termination of the United Nations assistance mission (UNAMI) by the end of 2025, as announced by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Initiated following the US-led invasion in 2003, UNAMI was established to aid in the development of Iraqi institutions, foster political dialogue, support elections, and advocate for human rights from its base in Baghdad’s Green Zone.
However, Al-Sudani stated that the mission’s political endeavors are no longer necessary due to Iraq’s significant strides toward stability.
While Iraq seeks to continue collaborating with various UN agencies, the Prime Minister emphasized the nation’s progress in areas previously managed by UNAMI in his communication with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The letter also highlighted a significant source of frustration over the UN mission’s dependence on “other parties” in assessing the necessity for its continued operation in Iraq.
This reliance is perceived by Iraq as an intrusion, suggesting that decisions about the mission’s relevance and activities were not solely based on Iraq’s own assessments and progress.
