Corruption without exception… Calls to expand the campaign to include the Kurdistan Region
Corruption without exception… Calls to expand the campaign to include the Kurdistan Region
7-19-2026
Information / Report…
The fight against corruption in Iraq is no longer just a recurring theme in government statements or election promises. In recent times, it has become one of the most prominent issues closely monitored by political and public circles, with the escalation of legal proceedings against a number of officials and employees in Baghdad and the provinces. However, this campaign has simultaneously raised serious questions about its scope across all regions of the country, particularly the Kurdistan Region, which has faced accusations for years of having financial and oil-related files that have not been subject to federal auditing or accountability.
Observers believe that the success of any anti-corruption campaign hinges on its ability to apply the law without exception or selectivity. Meanwhile, political and public demands are growing for these measures to extend to all institutions and entities, including those operating within the Kurdistan Region, if there are substantiated legal cases against them.
Accusations of political cover-up abound.
In this context, a leading source within the coordination framework, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the volume of corruption cases linked to the Kurdistan Region and some of its representatives in the federal government “has become substantial and cannot be ignored.” He believes that successive governments have dealt with these cases cautiously for political reasons.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “previous and current governments have pursued a policy of turning a blind eye to many corruption cases related to the region under the pretext of maintaining political consensus and avoiding complications with Kurdish leaders.”
He added, “There are accusations related to oil and investment files, smuggling networks, and the awarding of projects to companies linked to the region. This necessitates opening transparent legal investigations to uncover the facts and hold those involved accountable if violations are proven.”
Calls to Expand the Campaign:
For his part, Salim Hamza, a former member of parliament from the Kurdistan Justice Party, called for expanding the scope of the anti-corruption campaign to include all those wanted without exception, stressing that the campaign’s success depends on its application to everyone according to the law.
Hamza told the Al-Maalomah news agency that “the measures taken by the federal government, the judiciary, and the Integrity Commission represent an important step in combating corruption,” emphasizing the need for “the continuation of these measures and not their limitation.”
He added that “the Kurdistan Region should not be a haven for anyone wanted by the judiciary, and all those accused in corruption cases should be subject to the applicable legal and constitutional procedures.”
The oil smuggling file is one of the most contentious issues between Baghdad and Erbil. Accusations are frequently leveled regarding the continued smuggling of oil and the lack of federal oversight of a portion of exports, which political figures argue is causing significant financial losses to the public treasury.
This file remains a point of political and legal contention between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, amidst ongoing debate about the management of natural resources, oil export mechanisms, and revenue sharing. Experts believe that the anti-corruption campaign will face a true test if it extends to all files without exception, free from political pressure or partisan considerations. The principle of equality before the law is one of the most important criteria for the success of any reform project.
Observers also point out that resolving the contentious issues between Baghdad and Erbil through legal and judicial frameworks could contribute to strengthening confidence in oversight institutions and confirm that combating corruption is not linked to a specific region or political entity, but rather targets anyone proven to be involved in wasting public funds or abusing their influence.
Amidst the ongoing debate, the focus remains on the ability of judicial and oversight institutions to manage this case according to evidence and legal procedures, ensuring the consolidation of the principles of justice and the rule of law, free from selectivity or political considerations. This is because combating corruption can only achieve its objectives when it encompasses all those accused without discrimination, regardless of their location.
almaalomah.me
