24 Dec 2019 | 11:12 AM UTC
Iraq: Protesters block roads and public buildings in southern Iraq on December 24 /update 88
Protesters block roads and public buildings in southern Iraq December 24; further protests likely over the near term
Event
According to local media sources, protesters gathered in Basra in the morning (local time) on Tuesday, December 24, blocking accesses to ports, notably the Oum Qasr port, to denounce local efforts to nominate Assaad al-Aïdani as a prime minister candidate. Roadblocks have also been reported in Nassiriya, Diwaniya, Al-Hilla, Kout, and Najaf, with protesters blocking accesses to public buildings and schools. Protests are likely to continue throughout the day across Iraq to demand the appointment of a new prime minister, which was expected on Sunday, December 22.
Roadblocks, other transportation and business disruptions, and a heightened security presence are to be expected throughout Iraq in the coming days as protests, spontaneous or otherwise, remain likely. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Demonstrations broke out in Iraq on October 1 to protest perceived government corruption, inadequate provision of public services, and a lack of job opportunities. Following weeks of relative calm, demonstrations violently resumed on October 24-25, coinciding with the deadline issued by Grand Ayatollah Sistani to the government to produce a report on who in the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) was responsible for firing at civilians during previous demonstrations. An estimated 450 people have been killed and unconfirmed estimates state that over 20,000 people have been wounded since protests began. December 22 was the deadline set by President Barham Salih for Parliament to decide on a prime minister to replace PM Adel Abdul Mahdi.
Advice
Individuals in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings due to potential violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in areas affected by anti-government demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
