The 6th Ordinary Congress of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council (MXDŞ), held under the slogan “Unity, Freedom, and Solution,” began in the Kersê Valley in Shengal (Sinjar) on Saturday.
Although formally an ordinary congress, it is being regarded as a congress of change and transformation due to the conflict in the Middle East and planned amendments to the Social Contract. New evaluations and decisions are also expected within the framework of resolving issues with Iraq and democratic integration based on fundamental constitutional principles.
Around 250 delegates are participating in the congress, including members and representatives of Shengal’s Autonomous Administration institutions, women’s and youth movements, community leaders, and tribal representatives. In addition, various political and social groups in Shengal—such as the PUK, Hereke, Teqedûm, and the Yazidi Alliance—as well as independent figures are attending.
Congress of unity, freedom and solution
The congress began with a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the 74 genocidal campaigns against the Yazidi community and the martyrs of freedom. Following the tribute, MXDŞ Co-Chair Nayif Şemo delivered the opening speech. Recalling that the first congress was held in 2015, Şemo said: “The work of the Autonomous Administration began on this basis. In response to state institutions, we built our own social and democratic institutions. Our defense forces and political party structures were established on this foundation. At present, there are shortcomings in our relations with the state, and necessary changes must be made. We hope this congress will serve as an opportunity for social, political, and military unity among all Yazidis. We wish success to the congress.”
Messages were also delivered on behalf of the Families of Martyrs and the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ). The message from the Families of Martyrs was conveyed by Dayê Pakîz, who emphasized that many Yazidi youths were martyred in the defense and liberation of Shengal, stating: “We hope this congress will be one of unity and success. We wish success to the Yazidis and their friends. Our hope lies in the unity and success of our people.”
‘Our struggle will continue’
TAJÊ spokesperson Riham Hico delivered a message from Yazidi women. Highlighting the importance of holding the congress under wartime conditions in the region, she said: “As the Yazidi community, we have gathered here to discuss our own solution. Over the past 10 years, a great struggle has been carried out. While a defensive fight was led by YBŞ and YJŞ, a major political and social struggle was also conducted under the leadership of the Autonomous Administration. Our comrades who gave their lives for society saw themselves as indebted to their people. We are also indebted to our people, to the children of martyrs, and to the families of martyrs. We will continue our struggle for a free Shengal, a free society, and free women.”
‘The stance of Yazidi women is clear’
Riham Hico emphasized that the stance of Yazidi women in the struggle for a free Shengal is clear, adding: “We are ready to do whatever is necessary for the unity of our society, democratic integration, and a democratic solution. We will think and deliberate on the basis of Mount Shengal and Yazidi identity, and conduct our discussions within this framework. Not only Shengal, but also Yazidis in Rojava, Bakur, and especially Bashur Kurdistan are under threat. All of these are our responsibility. We all bear responsibility toward the Yazidi identity and social issues. We must carry out our discussions on the basis of unity, solution, and freedom.”
The congress continues with the reading of written messages from Yazidi institutions in Europe, Armenia, and Rojava. Video messages were also sent to the congress by Veysi Aktaş from the Imralı Secretariat and PYD Co-Chair Xerîb Hiso.
Following the reading of the messages, a council will be elected to oversee the proceedings of the congress.
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