Tribal leaders mediate 900 disputes over eight years

DHI QAR — The Nakhwa Association of Dhi Qar’s Tribal Leaders and Notables has mediated 900 tribal disputes over the past eight years, offering an alternative to the court system through peaceful resolutions. Officially registered as an NGO in February 2023, the association’s work began in 2016 and includes about 350 influential tribal leaders. Operating from its headquarters at Khalifa Al-Musawi’s guesthouse in Souq Al-Shiyoukh, the group promotes legal awareness and reconciliation among conflicting parties.

Tribes remain integral to Iraqi society, often stepping in to resolve disputes over land ownership, honor, or financial disagreements. Tribal disputes occasionally escalate into violent confrontations, posing challenges to balancing custom with law.

“We were officially registered this year with the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, but our efforts in reconciliation and dispute resolution have been ongoing for eight years,” said Haidar Al-Washah, president of the association, to 964media. “The association consists of several committees, including youth, sports, and community services, and we currently have about 350 members. Sometimes, we are invited to mediate disputes, and at other times, we act voluntarily—even in the middle of the night.”

Al-Washah highlighted the challenges they face, including resistance from some tribes who prefer transferring cases to state authorities. “On average, we resolve about 20 disputes monthly,” he added.

Khalifa Al-Musawi, a key member and host of the association’s headquarters, explained the collaborative process, saying, “We serve the community and tribes by fostering reconciliation and achieving truces between conflicting parties. Our work extends beyond the province, and when invited to mediate, a delegation of around 15 members often steps in.”

Aqeel Fadel, head of the association’s legal committee, emphasized their focus on raising awareness of the legal repercussions of actions during tribal disputes. “Many people are unaware of the severe penalties for tribal offenses,” Fadel said. “For example, dakats ashairiya (tribal attacks) can result in life imprisonment, while tribal claims and threats can lead to seven years in prison. Practices like nahwa ashairiya (the prevention of marriage) may carry penalties of up to 10 years. We are working hard to eliminate these harmful traditions.”

On April 29, the Ministry of Interior reported resolving 400 tribal disputes in the first four months of 2024, with most being non-violent. Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Maqdad Miri credited the decrease in tribal conflicts to enhanced efforts to curb tribal retaliation.