People protest in Iraq’s capital demanding basic services, stronger stance against corruption

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqis in Baghdad came out in droves to stage demonstrations on Saturday, demanding better services and a stronger stance in the fight against corruption, which remains widespread in state institutions across the country.

Demonstrations took place in the impoverished neighborhood of Fudhaliyah, a suburb in eastern Baghdad.

The protesters raised banners denouncing corruption and demanding essential services be improved in their predominantly Shia area. Like many areas in Baghdad, the neighborhood requires significant infrastructure work and upgrades.

Some who took to the streets held banners calling for the government to ensure water and electricity is regularly provided, to build schools, and address deficiencies in the health sector in the area.

Demonstrators threatened to block the road linking Baghdad to the province of Diyala which lies to the northeast of the Iraqi capital. Demonstrators from the suburb of Husseiniya had recently obstructed the highway while making similar demands.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a decree on Saturday which included several measures meant to hasten the delivery of basic services in the province of Baghdad.

The order also revealed the creation of an ‘operation room’ designed to monitor and ensure the administration of basic services in Baghdad.

Iraq’s infrastructure remains in disrepair, 15 years since Saddam Hussein’s authoritarian government was toppled in 2003.

The country continues to suffer from regular suspension of services, including the distribution of water and electricity, poor management of the sewer systems, and interruptions in the health and education sectors as Iraqis gear up for next month's legislative elections.

According to Transparency International Index 2017, Iraq is the 12^th most corrupted country in the world.

Editing by Nadia Riva