Iraq: The Governor of Kirkuk, Rebwar Taha, and the newly appointed Leader of Kirkuk Provincial Council, Mohammed Ibrahim Hafez, have pledged to work collaboratively to serve the diverse communities of Kirkuk.
At a news conference on Sunday, Taha emphasised their shared commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and transforming Kirkuk into one of Iraq’s most advanced cities.
“We will provide assistance to the Leader of Kirkuk Provincial Council in fulfilling his duties, and we will strive to collaborate as a team to serve the people of Kirkuk,” Taha stated. He highlighted the importance of equal service to all communities and urged the council to support efforts to enhance the city’s development.
Mohammed Ibrahim Hafez, in his first address as the leader of the council, announced plans to assign the remaining administrative positions in the city based on electoral merits. He described this moment as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Kirkuk, promising to meet the expectations of the city’s residents.
“The council is actively striving to enhance coexistence and provide improved services to inhabitants,” Hafez said, expressing his support for Governor Taha and their joint mission to improve the city.
This new leadership comes after Rêbwar Taha, a candidate from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), was elected as Kirkuk’s governor at a council meeting on 17 August. Taha’s election, secured with votes from PUK, Arab and Christian members, took place despite a boycott by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Turkmen Front, who opposed the process.
The election followed a period of intense diplomatic activity, particularly involving Turkey and the KDP, aimed at curbing the PUK’s influence in Kirkuk. However, the PUK’s success in the 2023 provincial elections solidified its political position, allowing it to maintain control over the governorship.
Bafel Talabani, President of the PUK, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to making Kirkuk a model of coexistence, reflecting the inclusive vision of the late Jalal Talabani, also known as Mam (Uncle) Celal. “We will work to make Kirkuk a place where people say, ‘We want our cities to be like Kirkuk,’” Talabani stated, highlighting the significance of unity in the city’s future.
