Protesters in Basra copy Paris rioters’ yellow vests in calls for jobs and services
Demonstrators in Basra renewed protests against Iraq’s poor public services by donning yellow vests similar to those worn by French protesters marching against proposed fuel tax increases.
Hundreds of Iraqis wearing the high-visibility jackets marched in Basra on Tuesday to call for improved services in the country’s oil-rich south, where electricity and water supplies are sporadic and unemployment is high.
Violent demonstrations in France forced President Emmanuel Macron to back down over a proposed tax increase on diesel fuels.
In Iraq, protesters burnt tyres and chanted slogans outside Basra’s provincial council building as riot police moved in to contain the rally.
Footage on social media showed protesters throwing missiles. During the ensuing clashes there were reports of live fire being used to disperse the crowd.
In Baghdad, the government’s inability to form a Cabinet further angered the public, who for months have been demanding change from a distrusted political elite.
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said in October that reconstruction would be top of the next administration’s agenda, but he has failed to win MPs’ approval for his Cabinet.
Deputy Speaker Hassan Al Kaabi said that further delays could make the security situation worse.
A former member of parliament last month told The
National that Basra residents were concerned the new government would not provide them with public services such as water and electricity.
“We will ensure that dictatorship is combated in the country. Basra’s citizens are calling for their rights to education and employment or we will revolt,” Mohammed Al Tai said.
The new government faces a double challenge – rebuilding the north of the country after the war against ISIS, and fixing services in the south.
On Monday, Finance Minister Fuad Hussein was interrupted by angry protesters during a press conference in Basra. The head of the provincial council told Asharq
Al Awsat newspaper that Mr Hussein had said more power would be transferred from Baghdad central government to Basra.
Protests in the neglected south have been going on for years but intensified in July. A particularly hot summer without basic services and the return of unemployed soldiers compounded an already difficult situation.
A lack of working toilets and bathrooms in Basra’s schools put more than 277,000 children’ health in danger, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in October.
Water shortages forced nearly 4,000 families from their homes during the hottest month of August, the charity said.
Basra’s citizens are calling for their rights to education and employment or we will revolt MOHAMMED AL TAI Protester