The 1991 Uprising: A People’s Victory, Hijacked by Political Interests

Dana Luqman Salam – Activist

The Kurdish uprising of 1991 was one of the most defining moments in modern Kurdish history—a movement led by the people who rose against the oppressive Ba’ath regime. The revolution was neither initiated nor won by political parties; it was the collective sacrifice and determination of ordinary Kurds that forced Saddam Hussein’s forces to retreat from Kurdistan.

However, in the years that followed, the true victory of the people was gradually hijacked by the ruling political parties, particularly the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Instead of honoring the sacrifices made during the uprising, these parties consolidated power for their own interests, turning Kurdistan into a region dominated by corruption, political rivalries, and self-serving governance.

The division of Kurdistan into two separate zones controlled by the KDP in Erbil and Duhok and the PUK in Sulaimani further weakened the national unity that the people had fought for. This split not only fueled internal conflicts but also left the region vulnerable to external influences, preventing the establishment of a truly independent and democratic governance system.

Instead of building strong state institutions, both parties prioritized loyalty over competence, filling government positions with political affiliates rather than professionals. The result has been a crippling economic crisis, an unstable political landscape, and a weakened rule of law, all of which continue to affect the daily lives of the people.

The people of Kurdistan were the real force behind the uprising, and they remain the true owners of its legacy. The sacrifices made should not be overshadowed by political exploitation. The future of Kurdistan must be shaped by the will of the people, not the self-interest of ruling parties.

It is time to reclaim the revolution and demand leadership that truly represents the aspirations of the people rather than using their struggles for political gain.

Editor: Diyar Harki