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Iraq's Weapons Consensus: Why All Factions Must Now Disarm or Join State Forces

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has announced a major breakthrough in national security policy. All political parties have agreed to bring weapons under exclusive state control, ending armed operations outside official institutions. The Prime Minister questioned why foreign forces remain in Iraq since ISIS no longer poses a significant threat. Meanwhile, al-Sudani confirmed he will seek re-election in November against parties within his own ruling coalition.

Key Points: Iraqi PM Al-Sudani Announces National Consensus on Weapons Control

  • All Iraqi political factions reached unified consensus on state weapons control
  • PM questions continued foreign troop presence as IS threat diminishes
  • Armed groups must integrate into security forces or pursue politics
  • Al-Sudani announces re-election bid against coalition partners in November polls
2 min read

Iraqi PM says 'national consensus' reached to bring weapons under state control

Iraqi political parties agree to bring all weapons under state authority as PM questions need for foreign troops amid upcoming elections and US-Iraq relations.

"there will be a clear program to end any arms outside of state institutions. This is the demand of all. - Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani"

Baghdad, Nov 4

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said that Iraqi political parties have reached a "unified national consensus" to end the presence of all weapons operating outside the authority of the state.

According to a statement by his media office, al-Sudani made the remarks during an interview on Monday.

According to local media reports, al-Sudani said in the interview that "there will be a clear program to end any arms outside of state institutions. This is the demand of all."

He questioned the need for the continued presence of foreign forces, noting that the Islamic State (IS) no longer poses a threat. He also emphasised that armed factions should either integrate into the official security forces or lay down their weapons and engage in politics, the reports added.

During the interview, al-Sudani talked about Iraq's relationship with the United States. "Iraq pursues a balanced relationship with the United States, one that serves mutual interests and affirms Iraq's independent role as a partner, not a sphere of influence," the media office statement quoted al-Sudani as saying.

In September last year, the United States and Iraq reached an agreement outlining the US-led international coalition forces' gradual withdrawal from Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported.

The US currently has about 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the coalition established in 2014 to fight the IS.

Al-Sudani also announced that he will run in the upcoming November 11 elections, competing against parties within his own ruling coalition, as he seeks a second term as Iraq's prime minister.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting timing with elections coming up. Is this genuine national consensus or political posturing? Hope it's not just election rhetoric. The proof will be in implementation.
A
Arjun K
Good to see Iraq asserting its sovereignty. Foreign troops should respect the host country's decisions. Every nation has the right to determine its own security needs.
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Sarah B
As someone who has worked in conflict zones, I can say that bringing all weapons under state control is crucial for long-term peace. Hope Iraq succeeds in this difficult transition. 🤝
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Vikram M
The challenge will be convincing armed groups to give up their weapons. This requires strong political will and security guarantees. Hope they have a proper reintegration plan for former fighters.
M
Michael C
While I support the principle, I'm concerned about the timing. Announcing this right before elections and claiming IS is no longer a threat seems premature. Security transitions need careful planning.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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