Debate over Iraq’s armed factions intensifies as advisor to PM addresses ‘misunderstood’ remarks

BAGHDAD — Ibrahim Al-Sumaidaie, a member of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani Consultant Committee, clarified in an interview with Dijlah TV that his recent statements regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces were “misunderstood and distorted”. He emphasized that he did not criticize the PMF but rather expressed his view on the “necessity of integrating armed factions” into Iraq’s official security forces. Al-Sumaidaie revealed that, despite the “misrepresentation” of his remarks, he had submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister to “spare him any embarrassment”, which he rejected.

The comments come as domestic and international debates intensify over the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a paramilitary entity officially integrated into Iraq’s security framework.

Al-Sumaidaie previously stated in an interview with Iraq’s Alsumaria TV that the government had received clear requests from international and regional parties to dismantle the weapons of armed factions. He noted mounting international pressure on Baghdad to address unauthorized weapons operating outside state authority. He stated, “We were explicitly asked to dismantle the weapons of armed factions as part of efforts to restore stability in Iraq and ensure national sovereignty.”

Excerpts from Ibrahim Al-Sumaidaie’s interview with Dijlah TV:

I did not speak about the Popular Mobilization Forces, and my statement was distorted. I expressed my opinion on the necessity of integrating factions into the official forces. Even with my words being misrepresented, I submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister to spare him any embarrassment.

My relationship with Mr. Al-Sudani is a sacred one, stemming from the bond between a citizen and his leader. I have great faith in him, I know him well, and I understand the difficult circumstances under which he operates. Therefore, I know him as a citizen before being his friend.

My resignation did not reach the Prime Minister’s office on time due to postal procedures. As a result, the media office’s statement was issued beforehand. I informed my colleagues at the office that my resignation is ready if the Prime Minister deems me mistaken.

The Prime Minister rejected my resignation, although I wish he would accept it so that people know we are not working for positions. The political process involves my people, and I have been part of it since the beginning.

I repeat my advice to political forces: Iraq needs to reinvent itself in light of regional changes. The situation has changed, and placing weapons under state control is stipulated in the government program and emphasized by the religious authority.

We do not consider any external dictates regarding dissolving the PMF, as it is part of our national security. However, the situation with factions is different. We are proud to be part of the resistance axis and have supported Palestine when others withdrew.

The issue of placing weapons under state control and dissolving factions has been under discussion and remains so, even before the events of October 7. However, it has always been conditional on the withdrawal of the international coalition from Iraq.

The Shiite depth believes the PMF is a security apparatus for the regime, and it cannot be abandoned. I do not believe that talk of its dissolution is justified, as it has become institutionalized. There are committees evaluating the entitlements of all parties in light of national security theories, and we cannot compromise a part of our national security because one party dislikes another’s presence in a specific position.

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