On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the March 1991 uprising, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), issued a statement today, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, highlighting the historical significance of the uprising as a turning point in the struggle of the people of Kurdistan. He emphasized that the uprising solidified the free will of the Kurdish people in the face of injustice.

Below is the full text of the statement:

On the 34th anniversary of the glorious March 1991 uprising, I extend my highest congratulations and blessings to the people of Kurdistan, with special mention to the brave Peshmerga forces and the families of the righteous martyrs.

The comprehensive March uprising was a pivotal moment in the history of our struggle, embracing all components of the people of Kurdistan and marking one of our greatest achievements. Thanks to the unity of the people and political forces, the Kurdistan Region was liberated from the grip of injustice and occupation, establishing the foundations of democracy through free elections that resulted in the formation of the first parliament and government representing the aspirations and hopes of the region.

Today, as we commemorate this great anniversary, our responsibility to unify our stance and strengthen our ranks is greater than ever. We must protect the constitutional entity, safeguard the legitimate institutions of the Kurdistan Region, and preserve the achievements that would not have been possible without the blood of the righteous martyrs and the sacrifices of the brave Peshmerga. The people of Kurdistan will never compromise or relinquish their legitimate rights under any pressure or threat.

Glory to the 1991 uprising on its anniversary. Peace be upon the pure souls of the martyrs of the March uprising and all the martyrs of Kurdistan.

Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government
March 5, 2025

The March 1991 uprising, also known as the Kurdish Intifada, was a significant rebellion against the Ba'athist regime in Iraq following the Gulf War. It led to the liberation of much of Iraqi Kurdistan and laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The uprising is remembered as a defining moment in the Kurdish struggle for self-determination and democracy.

Prime Minister Barzani’s statement underscores the enduring legacy of the uprising and reaffirms the commitment of the Kurdistan Region to protect its constitutional rights and democratic institutions.