Roj Bash Kurdistan

Leaders Mark 34th Anniversary of Uprising

Kurdish leaders have commemorated the 34th anniversary of the 1991 Kurdish uprising against Saddam Hussein’s regime, highlighting its significance in the struggle for freedom and self-governance

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), congratulated the Kurdish people on the occasion, emphasizing that the uprising was a clear message that “despite oppression and intimidation, the Kurdish people are alive and want freedom and independence.”

In his statement, Barzani described the uprising as a “sovereign and valuable achievement” that reflected the Kurdish people’s determination to resist tyranny.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also issued a statement, describing federalism and constitutional recognition as key outcomes of the uprising.

“To protect our achievements and secure the rights of future generations, unity and understanding among all forces and communities are essential,” he stated, stressing the need for collective responsibility amid regional and internal challenges

Similarly, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called the uprising a source of pride for the Kurdish people.

He underscored the importance of unity and solidarity to defend the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status and legal institutions, warning against external pressures that threaten Kurdish rights.

The Kurdish uprising began on March 5, 1991, in the town of Ranya, quickly spreading to other cities, including Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Duhok

Peshmerga forces and civilians expelled Iraqi troops, leading to the establishment of Kurdish self-rule under an internationally enforced no-fly zone. This paved the way for the Kurdistan Region’s current semi-autonomous status within Iraq.

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PM Masrour Barzani Honors
Anniversary of Kurdish Uprising

“The rights we have secured through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and the blood of our brave Peshmerga and martyrs must never be relinquished under any form of pressure or threat,” Barzani stated

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended his warmest congratulations to the people of Kurdistan on the 34th anniversary of the historic 1991 Kurdish Uprising, paying tribute to the bravery of the Peshmerga forces and the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for Kurdish freedom.

In his official statement, published on his accounts on social media, Barzani emphasized that the uprising remains one of the greatest milestones in Kurdistan’s history, as it united all segments of Kurdish society in a common struggle against oppression and occupation

He highlighted that through collective resilience and unwavering determination, the Kurdish people successfully liberated their homeland from tyranny and established the foundations of self-rule through democratic elections, ultimately forming the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and its parliament.

“As we commemorate this remarkable revolution, we must stand more united than ever to safeguard the constitutional and legal foundations of the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani stated. “The rights we have secured through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and the blood of our brave Peshmerga and martyrs must never be relinquished under any form of pressure or threat.”

The prime minister concluded his message by reaffirming Kurdistan’s commitment to self-determination and extending his respects to all those who perished in the fight for Kurdish freedom, saying, “Glory to the anniversary of the March 1991 uprising. Eternal honor to the souls of our martyrs.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Progress

Since taking office in 2019 as the head of the KRG’s ninth cabinet, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has played a pivotal role in advancing the Kurdish cause both domestically and internationally. Under his leadership, the KRG has implemented key reforms to strengthen economic resilience, improve governance, and enhance security across the region.

Barzani has been instrumental in modernizing Kurdistan’s financial system, reducing reliance on external revenues, and diversifying the economy through strategic investments in agriculture, tourism, and digital transformation. His government has also made significant strides in strengthening relations with Baghdad while firmly defending Kurdistan’s constitutional rights, particularly regarding budget allocations and oil exports.

Furthermore, his administration has prioritized social services, expanding healthcare and education initiatives to improve the quality of life for Kurdistan’s citizens. Amid regional instability, Barzani has upheld security and stability in the Kurdistan Region, ensuring it remains a safe haven for displaced populations and international investors alike

As the region continues to navigate political and economic challenges, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s leadership remains a driving force in securing the future of Kurdistan, ensuring that the spirit of the 1991 uprising endures for generations to come.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... h-uprising

President Masoud Barzani:

A Tribute to Courage and Sacrificesing

“The fate of occupation and despotism is inevitable collapse, while the will and determination of the Kurdish people will always prevail,” said President Masoud Barzani

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On the 34th anniversary of the historic Kurdish uprising, President Masoud Barzani extended his warmest congratulations to the families of the martyrs, the courageous Peshmerga, and all freedom fighters and patriots across Kurdistan.

In his statement, President Barzani emphasized that the uprising stands as one of the most significant achievements in Kurdistan’s history. He attributed its success to the unwavering will for freedom among the Kurdish people, the bravery of the Peshmerga forces, and the unity among all factions of the Kurdish liberation movement.

“The uprising was a clear message against oppression and tyranny, proving that the people of Kurdistan are alive and determined to break free from the chains of injustice despite all forms of suppression and intimidation,” Barzani stated. He further underscored that the fate of occupation and despotism is inevitable collapse, while the will and determination of the Kurdish people will always prevail.

As Kurdistan commemorates this momentous occasion, Barzani reaffirmed the uprising’s enduring values—peace, brotherhood, and coexistence. He paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Kurdistan’s freedom and dignity, saluting their legacy as a guiding light for future generations.

The 1991 Kurdish Uprising: A Defining Moment

The Kurdish uprising of March 1991 marked a turning point in the region’s history. In the wake of the Gulf War and amid rising tensions with the Iraqi regime, the people of Kurdistan took to the streets in mass protests, reclaiming control over their cities and villages from Saddam Hussein’s brutal rule. The revolt, driven by years of persecution and suffering under the Ba’athist dictatorship, ultimately led to the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the region’s self-rule.

The uprising showcased the resilience of the Kurdish people, proving that even decades of oppression could not extinguish their aspirations for freedom and justice. It also set the foundation for Kurdistan’s democratic institutions, shaping its political and social landscape in the years that followed.

President Masoud Barzani:

A Lifetime of Struggle for Kurdish Rights

President Masoud Barzani, a towering figure in Kurdish politics, has dedicated his life to the Kurdish liberation movement. Barzani was raised in a family deeply rooted in the fight for Kurdish rights. Following in the footsteps of his father, the legendary leader Mustafa Barzani, he joined the Peshmerga at a young age and became a key figure in the Kurdish resistance against successive Iraqi regimes.

Throughout his political career, Barzani played a crucial role in securing Kurdistan’s autonomy, engaging in decades of struggle against oppression. As President of the Kurdistan Region (2005-2017), he championed democratic governance, economic development, and the strengthening of Kurdistan’s international ties. His leadership during critical moments—including the fight against ISIS and efforts to secure greater recognition for Kurdistan—cemented his legacy as a steadfast defender of Kurdish rights.

A Timeless Message of Unity and Strength

As Kurdistan reflects on the sacrifices made during the 1991 uprising, Barzani’s words serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience that have defined the Kurdish people’s struggle. The uprising was not merely a revolt against tyranny; it was a declaration of the Kurdish people's unyielding spirit and their right to self-determination.

With the region facing ongoing challenges, the legacy of the uprising remains a source of inspiration, reinforcing the need for unity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to freedom.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... h-uprising

Remembering the 1991 Uprising:
Turning Point in Kurdish Resistance

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On March 7, 1991, the city of Sulaimani became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle against Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime. The uprising, ignited by the residents with support from Peshmerga forces, led to the swift liberation of the city, marking a pivotal moment in Kurdish resistance

The rebellion commenced in the Sarchnar neighborhood, where the first shots were fired, signaling the start of the uprising. Citizens, alongside Peshmerga fighters, targeted key regime installations, including the Hamiya police station and the Saray administrative center.

By March 8, strategic locations such as the Red Security headquarters (Amna Sooraka) and the Salam Barracks were under Kurdish control. The swift actions resulted in the surrender of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, the death of the provincial governor, and the elimination of numerous regime officials.

The events in Sulaimani were part of a larger Kurdish uprising that began in early March 1991.

The Kurdistan Front, a coalition of Kurdish parties, had strategically divided Peshmerga forces to target various Kurdish provinces, including Kirkuk. The liberation efforts saw varying degrees of resistance, with cities like Duhok experiencing organized uprisings that led to the expulsion of regime forces.

Despite initial victories, the Kurds faced serious obstacles as they sought to consolidate their gains

According to Kurdistan24's '25th Anniversary Series', the uprisings across Iraq were inspired by President George H.W. Bush’s call for the Iraqi people to rise up and overthrow Saddam. However, despite the encouragement, the U.S. refrained from providing direct military assistance, leaving the rebels vulnerable when the regime retaliated.

International Dynamics, Saddam's Response, and Birth of the Kurdistan Regional Government

Despite the rapid success of the uprising in Kurdish cities, the international community, particularly the United States, exhibited hesitation in directly supporting the revolts. The ceasefire negotiations at Safwan on March 3, 1991, were a crucial moment, as U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf inadvertently allowed Saddam’s forces to use helicopter gunships under the pretense of troop transport.

This decision proved devastating, as the Iraqi regime quickly used these helicopters to launch brutal attacks on Kurdish and Shia rebels, leading to widespread massacres and the suppression of the uprisings ('Surrender at Safwan: 25th Anniversary' – Kurdistan24).

By early April, Saddam’s forces had retaken much of the territory lost to the rebels. In Sulaimani, the regime responded with violent reprisals, executing those suspected of supporting the uprising. Thousands of Kurdish families fled to the mountains, seeking refuge from Saddam’s vengeance

The failure of the uprisings to fully dislodge Saddam’s regime led to one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. Over one million Kurds fled to the mountains along the Turkish-Iraqi border, facing starvation and harsh winter conditions.

The scale of the humanitarian disaster prompted international intervention. The U.S., U.K., and France established a no-fly zone over northern Iraq, effectively creating a safe haven for the Kurds and leading to the eventual establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1992 ('The Kurdish Uprising, Part III: 25th Anniversary' – Kurdistan24).

While the uprising did not immediately result in independence, it laid the foundation for Kurdish autonomy

The subsequent establishment of the KRG allowed the Kurds to build institutions, develop governance structures, and exercise self-rule for the first time in modern history.

The Legacy of the Uprising

The 1991 uprising in Sulaimani remains a defining moment in Kurdish history. It demonstrated the resilience of the Kurdish people and their determination to achieve self-determination.

Although the international response was slow, the eventual intervention provided the groundwork for Kurdish autonomy, shaping the Kurdistan Region into what it is today

Thirty-four years later, the sacrifices made during the uprising continue to inspire the Kurdish struggle for democracy, stability, and self-governance. As the Kurdistan Region continues to develop, the legacy of the 1991 uprising stands as a reminder of the courage and perseverance of those who fought for freedom.

The historical events of 1991 still resonate today, as Kurdistan navigates political and economic challenges. The struggle for Kurdish rights and recognition remains an ongoing battle, but the uprising of Sulaimani serves as proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the will of the people can change history

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/828419/remembering-the-1991-sulaimani-uprising-a-turning-point-in-kurdish-resistance