The Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council (MXDŞ) has announced that it will maintain resistance to outside intervention until the recognition of an autonomous status and self-government for the Yazidi region. "The struggle will not be over until our people can live freely and decide their own future," it said in a final statement to the MXDŞ's regular assembly last Friday. The 138-day-long vigil in front of the local security forces' Asayîşa Êzîdxanê building, however, has ended for the time being. The tent will not be taken down, however, as the action may resume.

Colonialist states trigger wars

At its meeting, the MXDŞ addressed, among other things, issues related to rapid change in the Middle East, regional political developments, and the agreement negotiated between the Iraqi central government and the government of South Kurdistan on the division of rule in the main Yazidi settlement area. The Middle East, it said, is in an "unstable situation" as an area of action for capitalist modernity and nation-states, with constantly shifting security, unmistakable shifts in power and interests. "It is these colonialist states that are launching wars for the benefit of their interests in the Middle East and not taking steps for the benefit of civilians. A new occupation of the U.S. government does not mean that its strategy has changed," the MXDŞ statement reads.

Any exercise of state power must be legitimized by the people

With regard to the agreement negotiated in October between Baghdad and Hewlêr (Erbil) on the part of the U.S. and Turkey without the involvement of the Yazidi autonomous administration, the Council points to the reactions of the population, saying, “The Yazidi community had clearly indicated that the will and interest of the people living in Shengal must be the determining factor in decisions about Shengal. Any exercise of state power must be legitimized by the people. If the interests of the Yazidis are completely undermined, there will be resistance.”

Outrage over reinstallation of KDP rule

“The reinstallation of KDP rule is particularly explosive for the Shengal region. This is because the ruling party of the Barzani family, which collaborates with Turkey, abandoned the Yazidis to the genocide of ISIS in the summer of 2014 by withdrawing in flight. The plans to now crush the region's hard-won self-defense are therefore met with the greatest indignation.”

Common will basis for social alliance

"In this regard, there were mainly calls, actions and demonstrations from our clerics, the people, the autonomous council, all institutions, tribal leaders, the Arab community and military forces. In summary, we can state that each person has adopted the right attitude. This common will is a reason for us to celebrate. We see it as the basis for a social alliance."