After a long period of withholding salaries, the Iraqi federal government has finally released funds for the Kurdistan region’s security forces. This decision came after a ruling by Iraq’s Supreme Federal Court requiring the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to hand over all revenues to Baghdad. The KRG had initially resisted, citing national security concerns.
Despite ongoing discussions between the KRG and Iraqi government, accusations of including ghost names in payroll lists persist. Former KRG officials admit uncertainty about the exact number of individuals on the payroll. Kurdish lawmakers have also accused ruling parties of smuggling oil revenues for personal gain.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani expressed optimism in resolving salary issues. However, former lawmaker Omar Gulpi called for transparency in disclosing oil revenue utilization, revealing a significant amount from smuggling.
As discussions continue, the hope is for security forces’ salaries to be distributed promptly, addressing issues before the Eid al-Adha feast.