UN to end political mission in Iraq by end of 2025

At the request of Baghdad, the UN Security Council unanimously decided on Friday to conclude the United Nations political mission in Iraq by the end of 2025. This mission has been present in the country for over 20 years.

In early May, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani wrote to the Council, calling for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to end by December 31, 2025. 

He highlighted the "positive developments and successes" of successive Iraqi governments as reasons for this request.

The resolution adopted by the Council on Thursday extends the mandate of UNAMI for a final period of 19 months, ending on December 31, 2025. After this date, the mission will "cease its work and operations."

Robert Wood, the US Deputy Ambassador, commented on the resolution, saying, "We all recognize that Iraq has changed radically in recent years, and it was necessary to realign UNAMI in line with our commitment to support a safe, stable, and sovereign Iraq." He also noted that the Council members would continue to monitor Iraq's progress.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva emphasized that "in 20 years since its establishment, UNAMI has fully realized its potential in supporting the restoration of the Iraqi state, and the Iraqi people are now ready to take full responsibility for the country's political future." She opposed "any interference in the internal affairs of the country."

UNAMI was established in 2003 following the US-British military intervention and the fall of Saddam Hussein. Its mandate, which was strengthened in 2007 and renewed annually, included supporting the Iraqi government in fostering inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, organizing elections, and reforming the security sector.

Iraq is not the only country seeking the end of UN political or peacekeeping missions, which have faced growing criticism, particularly in Africa. 

Under pressure from the junta, the UN had to hurriedly withdraw thousands of peacekeepers from Mali in 2023. 

The political mission in Sudan was also closed, and in May, Somalia requested the departure of the UN assistance mission before the end of the year.