Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Hoshyar Zebari, a senior member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) politburo and former Iraqi Foreign Minister, has criticized the recent sit-in movement in Sulaymani province, labeling it as “highly politicized.” In a statement posted on his personal X account, Zebari urged protesters to redirect their demonstrations to Baghdad, arguing that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has already fulfilled its financial obligations.

“The sit-in movement that was recently organized in Sulaymani is highly politicized, and it would be more appropriate for the protesting brothers to move their tents, sit-ins, and hunger strike to Tahrir Square or Imam Qasim Street in front of the Ministry of Finance to demand the regular payment of their financial dues, especially since the regional government has settled the matter with Baghdad,” Zebari wrote.

His remarks come amid escalating tensions surrounding ongoing protests in Sulaymani, where public sector employees and activists have staged sit-ins to demand delayed salaries and financial entitlements. The KRG Ministry of Interior has raised concerns over potential external manipulation of the protests, warning against interference by political factions seeking to destabilize the region.

Reports suggest that Iranian-backed militias have been attempting to exploit the unrest as part of broader efforts to undermine the KRG. Security experts have identified these groups as key actors in fueling discord, leveraging public frustration to advance their own agendas.

Zebari’s statement reflects the KDP’s broader position, which emphasizes the need for coordination between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve financial disputes and ensure the timely disbursement of salaries. The KRG has repeatedly asserted that the federal government in Baghdad is responsible for ensuring the Kurdistan Region receives its full budgetary allocations.

The sit-in movement in Sulaymani highlights the ongoing challenges in the fiscal relationship between the KRG and the federal government, as well as the broader political tensions within the Kurdistan Region. Zebari’s call for protesters to direct their demands at Baghdad underscores the complexity of the issue and the KDP’s efforts to shift accountability to the federal level.

As demonstrations continue, the KRG remains under pressure to address public grievances while navigating the intricate political and financial dynamics with Baghdad. The situation also raises concerns about external actors exploiting internal discontent to destabilize the region further.