Al-Sudani meets new Wasit governor, vows justice for Kut fire victims

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with newly appointed Wasit Governor Hadi Al-Hamashi and Provincial Council Chairman Ali Al-Shammari, congratulating Al-Hamashi on his new post and emphasizing the need for strong cooperation between federal and local governments.

The meeting also addressed the recent fire in Kut, with Al-Sudani highlighting the need for accountability and support for those affected: “Taking serious steps to implement safety measures in all government and commercial buildings to prevent similar incidents and safeguard citizens’ well-being,” the statement read.

The deadly fire at a shopping center in Kut killed 61 people and triggered public outrage. Relatives of the victims began nightly protests outside the governorate building, escalating to an open-ended sit-in on July 22 to demand the dismissal and prosecution of local officials.

The following day, Wasit Governor Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahy submitted his resignation.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with the new Governor of Wasit, Mr. Hadi Al-Hamashi, and the Chairman of the Provincial Council, Mr. Ali Al-Shammari.

His Excellency congratulated the Governor on assuming his new duties, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the federal government and local governments, and the need to strengthen this relationship to implement development and service projects for citizens.

The Prime Minister also discussed the recent tragic fire incident in the city of Kut, stressing the need to address its impact by ensuring justice and compensation for the victims’ families. He emphasized the importance of taking serious steps to implement safety measures in all government and commercial buildings to prevent similar incidents and safeguard citizens’ well-being.