A central demonstration has been organised in Shengal (Sinjar) against the agreement between the South Kurdistan’s ruling party KDP and the Iraqi government on the administration of the self-governing Yazidi region of Shengal. Iraqi security forces stopped people on their way into the city, but the population insisted on the protests.

 

Among other things, the KDP and Iraqi government had issued orders to hand over the autonomous security forces Asayîşa Êzîdxanê in Shengal to state control within two days. In this context, the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council (Meclîsa Xweseriya Demokratîk a Şengalê, MXDŞ) convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday and called for a protest. The Iraqi military then cordoned off the city.

 

Yazidis from many villages came to Shengal in the morning hours. At around 12:00 local time, thousands of people marched in the city center with the flags of Êzîdxan Asayish (Yazidi public order).

 

Iraqi forces blocked many points before the march. A civilian was injured during the tensions in Tilizêrê village. However, activists from the surrounding villages continued to flock to the city.Notables in the region, opinion leaders, politicians and administrators are taking part in the march in the city.

 

Shengal has been targeted again for months following an agreement between Baghdad and Hewler. The central Iraqi government has recently asked the Shengal Defense Forces to leave the city within 24 hours. However, the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council convened extraordinarily on Wednesday, rejecting the Iraqi government's request.