Politics

Dhi Qar residents hold over 30 demonstrations in a week demanding basic services

The demonstrations are marked by violence, burning tires, and the closure of main roads between Dhi Qar and other Iraqi provinces. Protesters warn that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their actions to compel officials to listen.

Kurdistan 24 Digital Media 2024/08/05 11:38

Iraqi protesters pose with a national flag during an anti-government demonstration outside the burning local government headquarters in Nasiriyah, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2019. — (Photo: AFP)

Iraq Dhi Qar Governorate Protests Demonstrations Disservice Lack of Service Iraq

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The people of Dhi Qar are grappling with numerous issues and, despite organizing more than 30 demonstrations in a week, have yet to receive any response from authorities.

Activists reported, "The residents of Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq have held over 30 demonstrations this past week, primarily to demand essential services, particularly electricity, which has been significantly reduced due to the high temperatures."

Throughout the province, Dhi Qar residents are organizing up to four demonstrations a day in the scorching summer heat, advocating for what they consider basic rights, such as increased electricity supply, access to clean drinking water, employment opportunities for male and female graduates, opening centers for graduates, and providing cancer treatment, given that the province has the highest cancer rates in Iraq.

Protesters in Dhi Qar vow to continue demonstrating weekly until their demands are met. They express frustration over unfulfilled promises and pre-election rhetoric, declaring, "Moment after moment, we take to the streets and protest squares with greater force."

Dhi Qar is not alone in suffering from a lack of electricity and services. Basra, Diwaniyah, Babylon, and even Baghdad face similar issues, with demonstrations and main road closures becoming a common occurrence during the summer months.