The Iraqi army’s 16-day blockade of Makhmour (Mexmûr) Refugee Camp has come to an end, the Makhmour Democratic People’s Assembly announced on Sunday evening. The decision followed an agreement reached with the Iraqi authorities after extensive negotiations, resulting in the withdrawal of the army and the conclusion of a two-week-long vigil held by the residents of the camp.
Makhmour Refugee Camp in Iraq has been held under a tight military blockade for more than two weeks. This was not the first instance of such a siege, as similar attempts were made in 2021 to confine the residents within barbed wire fencing. On 20 May, the authorities again attempted to surround Makhmour with wire fences, using construction equipment, armoured vehicles and military forces. The blockade effectively isolated the camp, cutting off all entrances and exits and preventing any movement in or out. But the residents of Makhmur resisted the blockade.
Makhmour Camp People’s Assembly Co-chair Yusuf Kara argued that the actions of the Iraqi army were influenced by pressure from the Turkish government and the Barzani family, who hold significant power within the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Iraqi Kurdistan. According to Kara, the Turkish government and the KDP want to evacuate the camp, but the Kurdish residents of the camp have consistently abided by Iraqi law.
Kara stressed the importance of the negotiations with Iraq, emphasising that the Assembly had consistently reminded the authorities not to succumb to the wishes of Turkey and the KDP.
“After many meetings, the most recent being in Baghdad, we have reached an agreement to address the issues through dialogue. The Iraqi army has now withdrawn its forces from Makhmour Refugee Camp, and as a result, we have concluded our resistance action,” stated Kara.
Kara emphasised that the people of Makhmour would however continue to stand united against any future attempts to suppress them. He warned that any attack on their camp and their right to self-determination would be met with resistance.
Makhmour Refugee Camp is located approximately 60 km southwest of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq. The camp, which is recognised by the United Nations, provides shelter to around 13,000 Kurdish refugees who have fled state violence in Turkey.
