PUK Officials Offer Condolences to the Family of Late Peshmerga Commander "Mama Ghafa"

PUKMEDIA

Late Peshmerga Commander Mama Ghafa.

Veteran Peshmerga and brave commander Mam Ghafur [Mam is Kurdish word for Uncle], widely known as "Mama Ghafa", passed away on Monday, 23 March 2026.

Following his death, a number of condolence messages have been extended to his family.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, offered a message of condolences to the family of the late Peshmerga veteran, Mam Ghafur, stating that he devoted his entire life to his people and remains a symbol of courage and loyalty.

President Bafel's message said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of the veteran Peshmerga, Mam Ghafur, one of the prominent commanders of the modern revolution and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. I extend my condolences to his proud family, friends and comrades."

"Mam Ghafur was one of the distinguished Kurdish fighters and a close companion of President Mam Jalal. He devoted his entire life to his people, and for us he remains a symbol of courage and loyalty to the land and country," he added.

Kosrat Rasul Ali offered offered condolences to the family of the late Peshmerga veteran, Mam Ghafur and said: "Mam Ghafur was a seasoned fighter, a brave and heroic commander, and a prominent social figure in Kurdistan. He was a courageous and well-known Peshmerga who devoted his entire life to serving his people, always standing at the forefront of struggle and sacrifice in defence of Kurdistan. For this cause, he and his family made great sacrifices, offering many martyrs for the Kurdish people and Kurdistan."

"I extend my sincere condolences to the family and relatives of Mam Ghafur, a heroic Peshmerga. I hope this will be the last sorrow we all endure. May God grant everyone patience, and may the deceased rest in Paradise," he added.

PUK Vice President Rifaat Abdullah said: "The late Mam Ghafur was a dedicated fighter during the most difficult periods, playing a significant role in the struggle against dictatorship and in the fight against terrorism. He remained, throughout his life, a committed Peshmerga and a courageous commander in the new phase of our people’s struggle. On this sorrowful occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades and all those who knew him."

PUK Political Bureau said: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mam Ghafur Darwish Ahmed (Mama Ghafa) on the passing of the veteran struggler and heroic commander, who played a distinguished role in the enduring struggle of our people and within the PUK."

"Comrade Mam Ghafur was a brave and resolute figure in the new revolution of our people, and he consistently stood as a model of courage in the ranks and activities of the Peshmerga forces. His patriotic family has also made great sacrifices, offering a number of martyrs for the cause of the Kurds and Kurdistan," it added.

Qubad Talabani, supervisor of the Secretariat Bureau of President Mam Jalal, said: "I visited him ten days ago, although he was suffering from a serious illness. Yet his expression retained the same hopefulness as in his Peshmerga days."

He added: "It is profoundly difficult to believe the passing of such a towering figure — an eagle of the mountains and plains of Kurdistan, a hero in times of hardship, a resolute commander against the Ba'ath, a close companion of Mam, and a beloved figure among all Peshmergas and veterans."

Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Head of the Protection Council of the Higher Interests of the PUK, said: "The late Mam Ghafur was a tireless fighter and a devoted patriot in the struggle for the liberation of his people. From his youth until his final breath, he remained a committed Peshmerga, defending the legitimate rights of his nation. He played a significant role in the Kurdish struggle and in safeguarding the Kurdistan Region."

"With deep sorrow, I extend my condolences. I pray that Almighty God grants him eternal peace in Paradise and bestows patience and strength upon his family and loved ones," he added.

Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of Mam Ghafoor’s passing. The death of Mama Ghafa — a commander, a Peshmerga, and a shining example of dedication and sacrifice for his people and homeland — leaves us all in profound sorrow. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and share in their grief."



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