​​​​​​​Ibrahim Yazidi: Iraqi government, KDP implement Turkish plans

Şengal, the cradle of Yazidis and Kurds, has been subjected to many genocides throughout its history, the most recent of which was on the 3^rd of August 2014 at the hands of ISIS mercenaries, after the governments of Baghdad and Hewlêr led by the Kurdistan Democratic Party left them vulnerable to the mercenaries' brutal attacks.

But the Yazidi community realized the policies of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Iraqi government, therefore organized itself on all levels, after the Yazidis, thanks to the People's Protection Units, Women's Protection Units and the People's Defense Forces, were able to liberate Şengal.

The Yazidi people formed their autonomous administration in Şengal and announced their forces represented by Şengal Resistance Units and Ezidxan Asayîş, but this did not sit well with several forces, especially the Turkish state, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and recently the Iraqi government.

'Dramatic events'

In the past period, Şengal has witnessed dramatic events, as the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), with the support of the Turkish occupation state and America, concluded an agreement on October 9, 2020, stipulating the return of the forces of both parties to Şengal without giving any attention to the people's will.

The Iraqi government brought huge forces to the vicinity of Şengal, and demanded, under Turkish pressure in December 2020, that Ezidxan Asayîş Forces leave Şengal city and hand over their weapons.

On January 22, Turkish President Erdogan issued threats to launch a direct attack on Şengal, followed by the Popular Mobilization intensification of its forces in the region.

The Turkish threats and the recent moves of the Iraqi government were met with popular discontent by the people of Şengal, so they organized daily marches and sit-ins in front of the headquarter of Asayîş Forces, starting from December 2.

On March 11^th, thousands of members of the Yazidi community in Şengal took part in a major demonstration in support of Ezidxan Asayîş and in rejection of the October 9, 2020 agreement, but the Iraqi forces blocked the arrival of the people to Şengal center to prevent them from demonstrating.

'A difference from what is behind the scenes'

Journalist Ibrahim Yazidi explained to our agency that what is happening in Şengal now is different from what is happening behind the scenes, and he indicated that the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Democratic Party signed an agreement on October 9, 2020, under Turkish pressure to break the will of the Yazidi community which suffered greatly from the policies of the Iraqi government and the Democratic Party.

Ibrahim Yazidi noted that the main goal of the agreement between the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi and the Kurdistan Democratic is to restore control of Şengal in implementation of the Turkish plan, and to cover up their failure towards it during ISIS attacks.

Regarding the Iraqi government’s mobilization of huge forces in Şengal, Ibrahim Yazidi said: "This is the first time that the Iraqi government has sent such a large number of forces."

He added, stressing that "had the Iraqi government sent these forces during ISIS attacks, Şengal would not have been exposed to that disaster."

'The goal is not to protect Şengal'

Ibrahim Yazidi indicated that this is not to protect Şengal people or because it is part of the Iraqi state, but rather the main goal is to implement the policies of some foreign countries, especially the Turkish state.

The Kurdistan Democratic is also trying to mobilize its forces in Şengal after withdrawing during ISIS mercenaries' attacks in August 2014, leaving the people of Şengal among the claws of mercenaries who committed horrific crimes against Yazidis; killing, slaughtering, capturing, plundering and pillaging.

Yazidi revealed the intention of the Kurdistan Democratic to send its forces to Şengal, saying: "The main goal is to strike at the Yazidis' will and administration, and to impose its policies on the Yazidi community which is still suffering from the policies of this party."

He noted that the Yazidis in the camps of Başûr Kurdistan are suffering atrocities as a result of the Democratic Party's policies, as no one can utter a single word.

Yazidi pointed out that the Iraqi government and the Democratic Party had abandoned Şengal during ISIS attacks, stressing that they were the main reason for the Yazidis being subjected to the massacre.

'Fear of international recognition of the massacre'

He explained that the two parties are afraid of an international recognition of Şengal massacre, adding that "at that time they will be held accountable," so they are trying to strike the Yazidi organization by all means and methods. He said: "The Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Democratic are against Yazidis, and they always seek to destabilize the security and stability of Şengal."

Through the Autonomous Administration at home and Şengal Council abroad, Yazidis are now seeking international recognition for Şengal massacre and holding the perpetrators accountable. He said, "This is what worries the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Democratic Party."

Ibrahim Yazidi also touched on the issue of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and said: "After the threats made by Turkish President Erdogan regarding Şengal, additional forces of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who had a prominent role in the process of liberating Şengal from ISIS mercenaries, went, and their number now in the vicinity of Şengal reaches nearly 20 thousand fighters."

He said, "The people of Şengal praised the role of the Popular Mobilization Forces, especially after the Turkish threats." He noted that the Popular Mobilization Forces are now in the vicinity of Şengal, adding that "he does not know whether or not they will intervene in Şengal affairs in the future, that is, after the risks facing it are end."

He referred to the concerns of the Yazidi community about the presence of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and said: "There are concerns about the large number of the Popular Mobilization Forces in Şengal, as America sees them as pro-Iranian forces."

He is not surprising that America supports the Democratic Party and Turkey logistically and militarily in order to weaken the Popular Mobilization there.

'Decentralized governorate'

Ibrahim Yazidi confirmed that the people of Şengal have expressed several times their positions towards the plots being hatched against them, and said clearly that they will not abandon their administration.

He also stressed that the Autonomous Administration is the main reference, and he demands the Yazidi community to manage its affairs within a decentralized governorate, and said: "This is a natural right under the Iraqi constitution."

D.H

ANHA