Shengal delegation in Baghdad: Dialogue must be the basis of any solution

A delegation from the “Shengal Components and Coordination of National Forces” held talks with state representatives in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent political developments and debates over the future of the Yazidi self-defense forces in Shengal.

The head of the Coordination, Dawid Cindî, traveled to Baghdad from February 23 to 25 together with members Hisên Hecî and Dexîl Murad. According to a statement released Friday by the Coordination’s press office, the meetings focused on the current situation in Shengal and the security-political future of the Yazidi forces.

Integration instead of dissolution

At the center of the talks was the demand to integrate the Yazidi defense units into the Iraqi military system while preserving their distinct identity and organizational structure. The delegation emphasized that the self-defense forces had emerged from the existential threat posed by the ISIS genocide in 2014 and had played a central role in protecting the population. Any solution, they stressed, must take into account the specific historical experience of the Yazidi community.

Regional stability and political dialogue

During meetings with Iraqi officials, the importance of regional stability was also highlighted. It was stressed that military options and renewed confrontations must not become the dominant instrument of politics. “Instead of military options and conflicts, dialogue must form the basis of the solution,” the delegation stated. “Only if a national spirit of understanding prevails can the various components of Shengal live in security.”

A sensitive phase for Shengal

The visit to Baghdad comes amid tense discussions about a possible disarmament of local forces. Representatives from Shengal have for weeks stressed that security issues must not be decided without the involvement of the local community. In Baghdad, the delegation underlined that a sustainable security architecture can only be developed in coordination with the Yazidi population. The aim is to create stability without marginalizing the community’s self-governing structures.