Sudani Signals Re-Election Bid, Vows Reform and Unity

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivered a sweeping and impassioned address at the ninth Sulaimani Forum on Wednesday, signaling his intent to seek re-election and reaffirming his government’s commitment to reform, stability, and constructive regional diplomacy. 

Held at the American University of Sulaimani, the forum convened top local and international leaders to explore prospects for peace and dialogue in a turbulent region.

Speaking during a panel session, Sudani struck a candid and urgent tone. “For four decades, the Iraqi people have suffered greatly,” he said. “When bad politics are implemented, an unpleasant feeling develops, and the Iraqi people have lost trust in Iraqi politics to provide them with a decent life. Therefore, we must work on restoring citizens' trust.”

He stressed that restoring public faith in governance requires a strong, inclusive state: "We must return to a strong government that respects citizens of all components."

Opening his remarks with a focus on governance, Sudani reflected on the past two years. "Since the beginning of our term, we have always emphasized that the main goal of the federal government is to serve Iraqi citizens in all cities and towns without discrimination. Within this framework, we have worked on developing the capabilities of young people and supported their small projects."

He condemned the politicization of state functions. "It is unacceptable for political conflicts to be mixed with the work and activities of the federal government, for facts to be distorted, or for any person or party to be defamed."

"Serving citizens and implementing service projects was not at the request of Iraqi parties and political forces, but rather a national duty," he added. "Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms that ensure continued stability and guarantee the future for many years."

Announcing his intent to seek re-election, Sudani confirmed that the date for Iraq's next general election has been set. "I will definitely nominate myself again. The government is committed to the timing, and all requirements for the success of the process have been taken into consideration."

Sudani emphasized that political engagement was the antidote to despair. "We need to understand that defeating the hopelessness of the Iraqi people comes through election participation, and this participation should lead to the process of power transfer."

Reflecting on his tenure, Sudani said his government had provided a "positive message" that reform is possible, in contrast to previous administrations marked by corruption and failed projects. "We have a political project that we want to complete. We want to talk about goals and achievements and show the real steps that have helped create this atmosphere."

He praised the improving relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. "For the first time, the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad has changed from a biased relationship to a political dialogue relationship and has taken a good direction. There is desire and persistence to solve problems. We have been able to overcome many obstacles, with the Kurdistan Regional leadership with us in the government and participating in this path."

Turning to economic policy, Sudani stressed Iraq’s strategic position as the second-largest oil producer in OPEC. "It is important to have a legal environment to develop that sector and achieve better production. Unfortunately, recent disruptions in parliament have delayed the bill. We are determined to pass that law and are paving the way for dialogue on this issue."

On international diplomacy, Sudani acknowledged the delicate role Iraq plays amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. "That dialogue is directly and indirectly related to both countries, but it has an impact on the region. Iraq has taken the initiative, thanks to our excellent relationships with both sides, to encourage negotiation and understanding as alternatives to tensions that harm regional stability."

Regarding internal security, Sudani addressed the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and efforts to professionalize Iraq's armed forces. "The PMF was formed in a situation that everyone knows about. Under my supervision, we have formed a committee to reorganize the structure of the PMF and clarify their duties. The law has had its first reading, and we are considering the privileges of these forces because they sacrifice their lives without those privileges."

He affirmed that the presence of allied forces in Iraq is strictly advisory. "Our relationships with allies have been within the framework of the government program, agreed upon by all political forces. We reached an agreement that the tasks of the allies should end in two phases—the first in September 2025 and the second in September 2026."

Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's strategic partnership with the United States and highlighted ongoing bilateral cooperation: "Iraq is determined to develop that relationship within the framework of the strategic agreement. We also have bilateral partnerships with allies and work on files."

The Prime Minister also underscored the central role of youth in Iraq’s future: "The general population census has shown that the percentage of young people in Iraq is high. Our youth are the foundation and pillar of Iraq's structure to face challenges. They have made many sacrifices and are part of Iraq's achievements."

On regional policy, Sudani said, "We have been able to keep Iraq away from the tensions and complications of the region. Moreover, Iraq has now become a station for producing stability factors and is committed to its fundamental fixed positions, especially regarding the Palestinian cause and rejecting Israel's hostile actions."

The ninth Sulaimani  Forum, held from April 16 to 17, brought together an array of high-profile local and international figures to discuss themes under the banner of "Exploring Regional Peace."

Key participants included Iraqi President Latif Rashid; Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani; Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani; Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani; KRG Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed; PUK President Bafel Talabani; KDP official Hoshyar Zebari; al-Hikma Movement head Ammar al-Hakim; AUI-S founder Barham Salih; Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul-Ghani; UN envoy Muhammad al-Hassan; Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako; Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh; and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf.

Organized by the American University of Sulaimani in coordination with Chatham House, the Italian Institute for International Affairs, the Issam Fares Institute, the Century Foundation, and the International Crisis Group, the forum addressed regional conflicts, Iraq’s political process, U.S.-Iran negotiations, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the KRG formation process, the future of Syria and Western Kurdistan, and the renewed peace process in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey.

First launched in 2013, the Sulaimani Forum continues to serve as a major platform for dialogue on the future of Iraq and the wider Middle East.