Iraq’s Government Struggles to Win the Trust of the Ezidi People in Sinjar

In an article published on LSE blog, Zmkan Ali Saleem discusses how the Iraqi government is failing to gain the trust of the Ezidi people in the Sinjar district. Despite Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Sudani announcing plans to implement a 2020 agreement aimed at stabilizing the area, the government’s focus on removing the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) is creating more problems for the Ezidis.

The Ezidi people, who suffered horrific violence at the hands of ISIS in 2014, feel ignored by the government. Many Ezidis do not trust Iraq’s army or the Kurdish forces, which failed to protect them during the ISIS attacks. A recent decision to return Sunni Arab displaced persons (IDPs) to Sinjar led to protests, as many Ezidis saw it as a reminder of their trauma and the government’s lack of understanding.

For Iraq to stabilize Sinjar, it must focus on gaining the support of the Ezidis. This means addressing their needs and implementing laws that promise compensation for their suffering. Despite laws being passed, many Ezidis still face difficulties in receiving help. Without these issues being addressed, the government will struggle to build trust or gain the support it needs in the region.

Source: Zmkan Ali Saleem, “Unrest in Sinjar: Iraq’s Government has yet to Earn the Trust of the Ezidi People,” LSE’s Middle East Centre Blog, June 19th, 2023.