Iraq: Authorities impose curfew amid ongoing protests from 19:00 Aug. 29 /update 1

Event

Authorities have announced they will impose a curfew across all Iraqi governorates from 19:00 Aug. 29. The directive, which has been issued following protests in Baghdad's Green Zone and several cities in southern governorates, will remain in place until further notice. The measure comes into force after authorities introduced a curfew in Baghdad from 15:30 Aug. 29.

Authorities have imposed the curfew after supporters of prominent Shi'a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attempted to enter the grounds of the Presidential Palace, Aug. 29. The latest demonstrations appear to have been prompted by al-Sadr's announcement on Aug. 29 that he would permanently withdraw from politics and that he would close all Sadrist offices in the country. Al-Sadr's supporters have been organizing sit-ins in the country's parliament since late July, demanding the dissolution of parliament and new elections.

Iraqi authorities will likely maintain an increased security presence across the nation, particularly in Baghdad's Green Zone, through at least early September. Protesters stormed the parliament building, July 27; further similar actions against government institutions remain possible across the country. Counter-protests by supporters of political parties opposed to al-Sadr also remain likely.

Ground transport and business disruptions remain likely near any protest activity that may erupt. Security forces will likely deploy water cannons, tear gas, and other crowd control measures to disperse protesters. Clashes cannot be ruled, particularly if activists become overly disruptive or refuse to heed security forces' orders.

Context

The initial trigger for the mass mobilization, which began July 27, was the nomination of Mohammad Shia al-Sudani for the position of prime minister. Al-Sudani had been nominated by the Coordination Framework Coalition (CFA), a group that is largely aligned with Iran.

Iraq's political impasse in the parliament will likely continue and the process of forming a government could become protracted. The parliament has yet to form a national majority government even though federal elections were held in October 2021. Despite the Sadrist Movement's winning the highest number of seats in the 329-member parliament, it failed to form a government because of fierce opposition from the Iranian-aligned parties. This failure prompted al-Sadr to call on his bloc to resign in June.

Advice

Abide by the conditions of the curfew. Avoid all protests as a precaution. Keep away from areas where security forces appear to be deploying. Exercise increased situational awareness as demonstrations may be ongoing. Heed the advice of authorities. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in Iraq before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of a security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt Iraqi security forces to respond aggressively. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.