The Kurdistan Uprising… A Roadmap for the Path of Good Governance

Mohammed Sheikh Othman

Written by Mohammed Sheikh Othman.

The Kurdistan uprising of 1991 was a clear expression of the Kurdish people’s rejection of the repressive rule of the Baath regime, particularly after decades of marginalization, oppression, Arabisation, forced displacement, and crimes such as the Anfal campaign and the use of chemical weapons. It demonstrated that oppressed peoples are capable of breaking the chains of tyranny, especially when the right historical moment arises and revolutionary forces stand at the forefront.

The spirit of the uprising reflected the strength of national cohesion, proving that solidarity and unity among Kurdish political forces and diverse social groups were decisive factors in its success. Through this determination and resolve, the international community could no longer ignore the suffering of the Kurdish people, which later led to the imposition of a no-fly zone and the provision of international protection.

Although 35 years have passed since the spark of the uprising, it would be unjust to treat it as a mere passing anniversary. Rather, it remains a strategic roadmap that defines the priorities and foundations of the governance process in the Kurdistan Region. The uprising was launched against injustice, tyranny, inequality, corruption, and crime. Therefore, the imprint of this roadmap must remain visible in the course of governance, in the identity of political actors, and in the sense of belonging among citizens. Any departure from good governance, from partnership in managing power, or any weakening of Kurdish unity and political discourse at the regional, Iraqi, regional, and international levels constitutes a deviation from the fundamental spirit of the popular uprising and a grave mistake that affects the region, the lives of its citizens, and their sense of belonging.

According to the available evidence and historical facts, the uprising is closely associated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, with the heroism of its underground organizations, armed cells, and the Peshmerga of the New Revolution, as well as the subsequent unity of Kurdish forces within the Kurdistan Front. It proved that oppression and persecution can never silence the voice and will of our people, and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives stand as a testimony written in blood to the leadership of the Patriotic Union in that mass revolution.

The Patriotic Union, in order to elevate and consolidate the goals of the uprising and protect its achievements, will remain at the forefront of correcting the course of governance and implementing comprehensive reforms within the institutions of government. Its aim is to preserve the meanings and spirit of the uprising as a national trust and responsibility. Today, it continues its diligent efforts to overcome the current phase, ensure greater stability and prosperity for our country, and address developments in Iraqi Kurdistan and the wider region through solidarity, joint action, and greater awareness.

The uprising of 1991 was not merely a fleeting event; it was a decisive turning point in the history of Iraqi Kurdistan. Despite the challenges that followed, it laid the foundation for the political, administrative, and constitutional achievements that came later—ending Baathist authority, holding parliamentary elections, forming a government, declaring federalism as the identity of the system of governance, and bringing the Kurdish question onto the international stage while gaining global support. All these achievements are rooted in the gains of the uprising. It would therefore be unjust to cast doubt on or criticize this glorious epic, which established the principle that the will of peoples is capable of changing the course of history.

Victory to the will that seeks to correct the course of governance—an endowment and achievement of the uprising.

Sources
 1. Human Rights Watch – Genocide in Iraq: The Anfal Campaign Against the Kurds
https://www.hrw.org/reports/1993/iraqanfal/
 2.United Nations documents on the Iraqi no-fly zones and protection of Kurdish civilians (1991)
https://digitallibrary.un.org
 3. Encyclopaedia Britannica – Kurds and the 1991 Kurdish Uprising in Iraq
https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq/The-Kurds
 4. Gareth Stansfield, Iraqi Kurdistan: Political Development and Emergent Democracy, Routledge.