Irak

The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) today for another year, until 31 May 2023, retaining its core tasks.

Ugandan troops sent to Democratic Republic of Congo last year to help a crackdown on rebels will withdraw by May 31 unless the two countries strike a new agreement, Ugandan military officials said Tuesday. Kinshasa however responded it was “too soon” for any such decision on a pullout.

The top United Nations official in Iraq made an urgent appeal on Tuesday for the prompt formation of a new Government that meets the aspirations of that country’s people. “National elections took place well over seven months ago and multiple deadlines for the formation of a government have been missed,” Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the Security Council.

A Turkish military operation was launched against PKK fighters in northern Iraq last week, but Baghdad is not happy.

Turkey on Monday said it has launched a new air and ground offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants in northern Iraq involving special forces and combat drones.

The Council today adopted a decision extending the EU advisory mission in support of security sector reform in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) until 30 April 2024.

Iraqi lawmakers Wednesday failed for a third time to elect a new national president for lack of a quorum, officials said, prolonging the war-scarred country's political crisis.

The Islamic State group (IS) seems to have been reduced to a shadow of its former self. Public attention in the West has waned, and the priorities of the international community shifted to other issues. This warrants taking stock of the group’s current status and assessing the dangers it still poses, argues Fabien Merz in this CSS Analysis.

Political leaders in Iraq must urgently overcome their divisions and work for the good of the people, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday. Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert reported that four months after parliamentary elections, politicians still struggle to form a government.  

Iraqi lawmakers failed to elect a new president on Monday, prolonging a political standoff.