On Thursday 6 September, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) called on protesters and security forces in Iraq to show restraint following an escalation in violence during demonstrations in Bassora, in the south of the country, where people are denouncing the corruption of leaders and the lack of drinking water.
"The European Union calls on the Iraqi security forces to show maximum restraint and for protesters to keep protests peaceful", the spokesperson said in a press release. At least six people were killed and several dozen wounded during clashes on 4 and 5 September.
According to the EEAS spokesperson, the escalation in violence underlines "the urgent need" for the formation of a representative new government that will respond to the aspirations of the Iraqi people. The spokesperson then listed some of the challenges: the stabilisation of areas liberated from Da'esh, the return of nearly 2 million displaced people, corruption and poor services, and a range of economic challenges, "as reflected in the legitimate grievances expressed by protesters".
"We will work with the new government in support of the stability, security, inclusive democracy and prosperity", the EEAS spokesperson stated. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)