Powerful Iraqi Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr announced on Monday his ” final withdrawal from politics and the closure of institutions linked to his movement “. A statement that comes as the country is experiencing a serious political crisis and has sparked the anger of his supporters.
” I had decided not to interfere in political affairs. I am therefore now announcing my final withdrawal of politics, Moqtada al-Sadr wrote on Twitter. An announcement that must be taken with precaution, because Moqtada al-Sadr is used to blows, he has accustomed us to reversals of situations. He has in the past announced that he is not running for office, only to change his mind shortly afterwards. We will therefore have to see if this announcement materializes.
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In his post on Twitter, Moqtada Sadr explains that he is more of a religious leader than a political leader. He got involved in politics, he says, to try to get the country back on track, to help his people. Iraq is experiencing a serious economic, social and political crisis. There has been no government since the last legislative elections in October 2021 which the Sadrists won. The situation became tense in recent weeks when the Coalition Framework, a rival Shiite movement, proposed a prime minister who Moqda al-Sadr did not like.
Immediate curfew
The latter demanded the dissolution of Parliament and the organization of new elections. He also sent his supporters to the streets, they are still there today. Dozens of them entered Baghdad in the Palace of the Republic, a ceremonial building located in the ultra-secure Green Zone, to express their anger after the announcement of their leader.
The authorities have decreed an immediate curfew from 12:30 UT. The “ full curfew in the capital Baghdad affects all vehicles and citizens from 3:30 p.m. Monday said the Joint Operations Command in a statement.