ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to visit Baghdad on Saturday to mark the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).
Guterres is expected to “express his gratitude to the Mission’s staff members and to the Government and people of Iraq for hosting UNAMI for 22 years,” according to a statement from his office.
While in Baghdad, the secretary-general will hold bilateral meetings with Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the statement added.
UNAMI was established in 2003 at the request of Iraqi authorities. Although it does not directly implement humanitarian or development programs, the mission has played a key role in coordinating the work of more than 20 UN agencies operating in the country. Its chief also serves as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq.
The mission’s mandate, renewed annually by the UN Security Council, is set to expire on December 31, 2025, following a request by Sudani in May 2024. The Iraqi premier said at the time that improved security and political stability have reduced the need for the mission’s continued presence.
UNAMI’s responsibilities have included facilitating political dialogue among Iraqi factions and between Iraq and neighboring states, supporting electoral processes, monitoring human rights, and coordinating humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas. Critics warn that ending the mission could diminish international oversight, particularly during future elections.
Guterres began a tour of the Middle East on Wednesday, with his first stop in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss pressing regional developments.
Following his trip to Baghdad, he will return to Saudi Arabia to participate in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, scheduled for December 14-15 in Riyadh.
The secretary-general will conclude his regional tour with a visit to Oman, where he is expected to discuss regional issues, including the situation in Yemen.