President Masoud Barzani Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Comrade Karim Sinjari, Calling Him “A Man for Difficult Days”
In his tribute, President Barzani praised Sinjari's lifelong commitment to the Kurdish cause, recounting their shared history that dates back to childhood.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani on Wednesday expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Interior Minister Karim Sinjari, describing him as “a very dear friend and a beloved brother,” and hailing him as “a man for difficult days.”
During a formal funeral ceremony held on Wednesday, in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Barzani joined Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and senior government and party officials to pay final respects to Sinjari. His body was returned to Erbil for burial following his passing on Tuesday at the age of 75 due to illness.
In his tribute, President Barzani praised Sinjari's lifelong commitment to the Kurdish cause, recounting their shared history that dates back to childhood.
“A very close comrade and a dearly beloved brother has left us. Kak Karim was raised in a patriotic Kurdish family and, since his youth, showed a deep sense of national commitment,” Barzani said. “Even when he was studying law in Baghdad, he was already an active member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).”
Barzani highlighted Sinjari’s long and distinguished service, which included fighting as a Peshmerga in both the Gulan and Ayloul uprisings and later serving as the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
“After the March 11 [1970] Agreement, although he was still very young, he led the process of organizing and honoring the martyrs of the Ayloul Uprising once he graduated from university,” Barzani added. “He was truly a man for difficult days. I am a witness to his struggle, his loyalty, and his selflessness.”
President Barzani offered his condolences to Sinjari’s family, adding that he also grieves personally:
“I offer my condolences to his family, but more than that, I mourn for myself. He has surely earned his place in paradise, God willing. Death is a rightful path, and each of us will face our day. May God protect this nation, may Kurdistan prosper, and may the spirit of devotion shown by Kak Karim always serve this land.”
The late Abdulkarim Sultan Abdullah, widely known as Karim Sinjari, was a prominent figure in the Kurdistan Region, remembered for his dedication, humility, and decades of public service.
