The Iraqi government has formally requested the United Nations to conclude the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by the end of 2025. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani conveyed in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres that Iraq has made significant progress in areas falling under UNAMI's mandate, making the mission redundant.
Typically renewed annually by the U.N. Security Council, the current term of UNAMI is set to expire at the end of this month. While not opposing a one-year extension, Sudani emphasized the need for the mission to focus on completing its tasks to ensure a permanent closure and transfer of responsibilities by the end of 2025.
Established in 2003 post the U.S. invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, UNAMI has played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue among various groups, supporting election logistics, monitoring human rights, and coordinating aid in conflict-affected regions.
The Iraqi government's recent actions reflect a broader trend of disengagement from international bodies established after 2003. Earlier this year, Iraq initiated discussions to phase out the U.S.-led military coalition's mission against the Islamic State group. Additionally, Baghdad has opted not to renew the mandate for the U.N. Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by ISIS, requesting the team to exit by September 2024.
