ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - With Iraq consistently ranking among the most corrupt nations in the world according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia’ al-Sudani’s anti-corruption initiatives may offer a ray of hope. The effectiveness of Sudani’s plan to combat corruption in Iraq however, must be assessed vis-à-vis its ability to overcome the challenges that come with addressing this deeply rooted issue in Iraq, including ones related to external influences and powerful internal actors.
Mohamed Shia’ al-Sudani assumed office in October 2022, emphasizing the fight against corruption as a top priority for his administration. Without wasting time, he launched a distinctive campaign to combat this pervasive issue. His multifaceted anti-corruption plan includes reforming state institutions responsible for combating corruption, conducting inspections of the financial statement disclosures provided by senior government officials, the establishment of The Supreme Anti-Corruption Authority, and the subsequent creation of a specialized security force to investigate corruption cases under the Ministry of Interior. These measures were accompanied by rigorous investigations into corruption cases and the issuance of arrest warrants for officials involved in corrupt practices. For example, in June 2023, the Federal Integrity Commission announced that the courts in Baghdad and other governorates issued 42 arrest and summon orders for high-ranking officials in corruption-related cases, referring them to the judiciary for further action.
Nevertheless, despite Sudani's relentless anti-corruption campaign and the frequent issuance of arrest warrants for corrupt individuals, the battle against corruption continues to fall short of public expectations. This shortfall can be attributed, in part, to the Iraqi government's apprehensions regarding external influences and the control of powerful internal groups, alongside the frequent occurrence of corruption scandals, such as the 'Heist of the Century.'
After the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003 by the US-led coalition, Iraq embarked on a new path. In 2005, a new constitution, initially adopted by the Transitional National Assembly and then confirmed through a constitutional referendum, came into force, describing Iraq’s system of government as “republican and representative (parliamentary) and democratic.” However, since then, the question of Iraqi state sovereignty has loomed large, overshadowed by significant Iranian influence and the complex web of political parties operating within the nation. Iran's extensive involvement in Iraqi politics has created significant challenges for Iraq's state institutions, impairing their ability to function with transparency and integrity. This external influence has often led to entanglement in various illicit activities, including money laundering schemes that have a direct impact on the country's economic stability. More recently, the US Federal Reserve had restricted Iraq’s access to its dollars, citing concerns about money laundering activities that allegedly benefit Iran and potentially fund terrorist organizations. This move underscores the complex interplay of geopolitical interests, domestic political intricacies, and the ongoing challenges that Iraq faces as it endeavors to secure its sovereignty and stabilize its governance.
In Iraq's intricate political landscape, the 'consensus principle' has given rise to the ‘’Muhasasa’’ system, fostering a unique power-sharing dynamic among political parties and ethno-sectarian groups. While this approach aims to promote cooperation and inclusivity, it often prioritizes factional interests over technocratic competence, creating significant obstacles to delivering justice in corruption cases. Under this complex scenario, individuals involved in corruption are frequently shielded by their political affiliations, making it challenging to hold them accountable. This intricate web of political parties and their vested interests ensnares not only senior government officials but also members of parliament, who are entrusted with safeguarding the public interest but may find themselves entangled in the narrow interests of their political parties. This allegiance goes even beyond the broader interest of combating corruption. Moreover, the added protection of these officials by their political parties further compounds the ongoing struggle against corruption, undermining the nation's ability to address this critical issue effectively.
Furthermore, Iraq was recently shaken by a colossal corruption scandal. Between September 2021 and August 2022, $2.5 billion was stolen from public funds in what is now infamously referred to as "the heist of the century." The accused individuals include Ali Allawi, a former finance minister, Raed Jouhi, the director of the cabinet, Ahmed Najati, a personal secretary, and Mushrik Abbas. These individuals, residing outside the country, have been linked to the embezzlement of funds belonging to the tax authorities, and the warrants also encompass provisions for asset freezes. This alarming scandal has amplified the urgency of addressing corruption in Iraq, a nation grappling with a long-standing struggle against this insidious foe.
In Iraq's multifaceted struggle against corruption, it is evident that a holistic solution requires international support and cooperation. The nation grapples with numerous challenges, including external influences, the complexities of its political landscape, the Muhasasa system, and the repercussions of incidents like the 'Heist of the Century.' To effectively address these issues, international collaboration and support might be the effective solution for Iraq. In this regard, the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) stands out as a pivotal instrument. UNCAC provides a robust framework that empowers countries like Iraq to trace, recover, and repatriate stolen assets that have been funneled into overseas investments. By embracing UNCAC and forging international partnerships, Iraq can begin to tackle the multifaceted dimensions of corruption, including the influence of external actors, the intricacies of its political landscape, and the imperative task of recovering misappropriated funds. This comprehensive approach underscores the essential role of international cooperation in guiding Iraq toward meaningful progress in its ongoing battle against corruption.
Daban Sabir holds a BA in Politics, a LLM in Law degree from University of Portsmouth in the UK. Sabir is an anti-corruption activist and works in the frontline in the fight against corruption in both civil society and public sector in his region. He has also released several publications and analysis related to corruption in Kurdistan region and Iraq.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
