Iraq: Activists plan protest march in Al Rasheed area of Baghdad Dec. 22.

Event

The Baghdad Chamber of Commerce has called for a protest march in the Al Rasheed area of Baghdad, from 1200 Dec. 22, against the devaluation of the Iraqi currency. Protesters will gather at the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce before marching to the Central Bank of Iraq. Hundreds of individuals could take part in the protest.

Security forces will likely remain deployed in the area through late Dec. 22. Ground travel disruptions are likely along the march route. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Central Bank of Iraq announced Dec. 19 that it would devalue the Iraqi currency against the US dollar by more than 20 percent. The announcement comes as Iraq is in the midst of an economic crisis due to low oil prices caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Finance Minister Ali Allawi had said that the devaluation was necessary to avoid foreign currency reserves from running out in the next six to seven months.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to the potential for violence. Leave immediately and take refuge in a secure, non-governmental building if clashes erupt or demonstrators begin engaging in acts of vandalism. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional time if traveling through the affected area Dec. 22.