Dakok Organisation END PMF INFLUENCE Campaign Report

25% of the UK Parliament is now aware of PMF Influence.

Introduction

The Dakok Organisation has undertaken a sustained advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the growing influence of armed factions within Iraq’s political, economic, and security systems, particularly those operating under the framework of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

This campaign reflects the concerns of Iraqi diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, particularly regarding the long-term implications of militia influence on governance, regional stability, and the safety of civilians across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

Overview

Between 2025 and 2026, Dakok coordinated a multi-level advocacy effort combining:

• Grassroots parliamentary engagement
• Public demonstrations
• Policy-focused communication

Key Actions

• Organised peaceful demonstrations:
  • 14 August 2025 – London & Manchester
  • 03 August 2025 – MP Email Campaign
  • 9 March 2026 – London & Manchester
• Submitted a structured policy briefing to support advocacy efforts
• Mobilised members and supporters to contact elected representatives

Parliamentary Engagement from 11 March to 17 March 2026.

A central pillar of the campaign was direct engagement with Members of Parliament (MPs) across the United Kingdom.

Scale of Outreach

• 489 total emails sent by constituents
• Approximately 170 MPs contacted across the House of Commons which is 25%.

This represents engagement with over one quarter of all UK MPs, making it a significant example of coordinated diaspora-led advocacy.

Approach

All correspondence was framed as constituent communication, emphasising:

• Concerns about governance and rule of law in Iraq
• Risks associated with armed groups operating outside full state control
• The importance of UK diplomatic engagement

MPs were formally asked to:

• Raise the issue within Parliament
• Engage with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Support civil society actors and journalists working on accountability

Policy Focus

The campaign was supported by a detailed policy briefing outlining key areas of concern:

1. Security and Stability

• Risks associated with armed groups operating with independent command structures
• Potential for escalation and retaliatory actions within Iraqi territory
• Broader implications for regional stability

2. Governance and Accountability

• Concerns regarding the overlap between political authority, economic interests, and armed power
• The importance of transparency in public institutions and infrastructure projects

3. Civil Society and Human Rights

• The role of journalists and civil society organisations in documenting governance challenges
• The need to protect freedom of expression and investigative reporting

4. Regional Dynamics

• Iraq’s position within a complex geopolitical environment
• The risks of external influence through non-state armed actors

Public Mobilisation

Dakok’s campaign extended beyond institutional engagement into visible public action.

Demonstrations

Peaceful demonstrations were held outside Iraqi diplomatic premises in:

• London
• Manchester

These actions aimed to:

• Raise public awareness
• Demonstrate organised civic concern
• Reinforce the legitimacy of diaspora voices

During these demonstrations, participants reported being monitored from within diplomatic buildings, raising further concerns regarding transparency and civic space.

Impact Assessment

1. Political Reach

The campaign achieved substantial penetration within UK political structures:

• Engagement with a broad cross-section of MPs
• Increased visibility of Iraq governance issues within parliamentary correspondence

2. Issue Visibility

The campaign contributed to:

• Raising awareness of militia influence within Iraq
• Framing the issue as both a security concern and a governance challenge

3. Diaspora Engagement

• Demonstrated the capacity of diaspora communities to organise effectively
• Strengthened civic participation among members of the Dakok Organisation

4. Foundation for Ongoing Advocacy

The campaign has established:

• A network of parliamentary contacts
• A structured policy narrative
• A basis for continued engagement with policymakers and institutions

Significance of the Campaign

This campaign represents an important example of:

Diaspora-Led Policy Advocacy

It shows how communities outside their country of origin can engage constructively with democratic institutions to raise complex international issues.

Linking Local Representation to Global Issues

By engaging MPs as constituents, the campaign successfully connected local democratic representation with international policy concerns.

Promoting Accountability and Rule of Law

The campaign emphasises the importance of:

• Civilian oversight
• Institutional transparency
• Democratic governance

as essential foundations for long-term stability in Iraq.

Next Steps

Dakok Organisation remains committed to continuing this work through:

• Ongoing engagement with MPs and policymakers
• Strengthening collaboration with civil society organisations
• Expanding research and evidence-based advocacy
• Supporting initiatives that promote accountability, transparency, and democratic governance in Iraq

Conclusion

Iraq’s future stability depends on strong institutions, accountable governance, and clear civilian oversight of all armed actors.

Through this campaign, the Dakok Organisation has contributed to raising awareness of these issues within the United Kingdom’s political system, while demonstrating the constructive role that organised civil society can play in shaping policy discussions.

The campaign marks an important step in a longer-term effort to support governance, stability, and democratic accountability in Iraq.

The list of participants