Iraq: Protests reported in Basra December 17 /update 84

Event

A protest has been reported in Basra in the early morning hours (local time) on Tuesday, December 17, amid ongoing nationwide protests. Demonstrators have gathered at the North and South Rumaila checkpoints, where they have blocked traffic.

Sources have reported on Monday, December 16, that President, Barham Salih, is expected to step into the interim prime minister role after they faced a deadline to nominate a candidate. There are contradicting media reports stating that Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, a politician and former Human Rights Minister, may take the nomination for the prime minister role. The lack of clarity signals the likelihood of continued political impasse.

Roadblocks, other transportation and business disruptions, and a heightened security presence are to be expected throughout Basra and Baghdad, as well as other urban centers in the coming days as protests, spontaneous or otherwise, remain possible.

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.

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.