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Download this audio partThe Kurdistan Independence Party extends its warmest congratulations, with great satisfaction, on the unification of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces to the people of Kurdistan, the proud families of the martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, the Presidency and Government of the Kurdistan Region, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, and all parties, institutions and individuals who, with a sense of national responsibility, contributed to bringing the process of unifying and reorganising the Peshmerga forces under the authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and a unified command to fruition.
This achievement is not merely the merger of two military structures or a technical and administrative reform. It is a historic step towards reducing the multiplicity of command structures and partisan affiliations and moving towards one national institution, one lawful command and one system of governmental responsibility and accountability. From this perspective, the unification of the Peshmerga forces is a fundamental pillar of institution-building, the rule of law and the strengthening of the political entity of the Kurdistan Region.
For the Kurdistan Regional Government, a unified command means a unified decision-making structure, a single defence strategy, and one system of responsibility and accountability. This strengthens the capacity to confront and respond to terrorism, regional instability, drone and missile attacks, and threats along the borders. It also reinforces the principle of equality in salaries, ranks, training, weaponry and the professional rights of Peshmerga personnel.
A national force insulated from partisan rivalry is an important safeguard against political disputes being transferred into armed institutions. This, in turn, strengthens citizens’ confidence in the government and the institutions of the Kurdistan Region and provides greater protection for internal security and stability, which are essential foundations for development and economic progress.
The benefits and consequences of this step extend beyond the borders of the Kurdistan Region. Whenever South Kurdistan possesses strong institutions, political stability and a unified decision-making process, it will be better positioned to provide political and diplomatic support for the legitimate rights and demands of the Kurdish nation throughout all parts of Kurdistan.
The unification of the Peshmerga forces also sends a clear national message to East, West and North Kurdistan. Political differences must not result in the fragmentation of national power and national decision-making. Unity does not mean eliminating differences; it means managing those differences under the umbrella of the higher national interest.
In relations with the international community, the existence of a unified and professional force makes the Kurdistan Region a more reliable partner. States and allies can engage with one official authority, one chain of command and one accountable institution. This creates stronger prospects for continued training, technical assistance, security cooperation and strategic partnership.
Through its blood and sacrifice in the war against ISIS, the Peshmerga earned considerable international respect and confidence. Unification can transform that battlefield credibility into long-term political and diplomatic capital for the Kurdistan Region and for the Kurdish cause more broadly. The international community takes the demands of a nation more seriously when that nation has accountable institutions, a unified decision-making structure and the capacity to defend itself.
In relations with the Federal Government of Iraq, the unification of the Peshmerga forces establishes a basis for institution-to-institution engagement. When Baghdad deals with one ministry and one official command structure, agreements on security cooperation, closing the security gaps between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi Army, protecting the disputed territories, and resolving matters related to the budget, salaries, weapons and equipment become clearer and easier to implement.
This unification also strengthens the Kurdistan Region’s negotiating position vis-à-vis Baghdad and reduces opportunities to exploit internal Kurdish divisions. A unified Peshmerga force, operating within the constitutional and federal framework, is not a threat to Iraq; rather, it is an important component of the shared protection of Iraq’s security and stability and that of the wider region.
Alongside our satisfaction and support, it must be emphasised that the declaration of unification is not the end of the task; it marks the beginning of a new and more sensitive phase. To preserve this achievement, all military orders and decisions must be issued solely through constitutional institutions; systems governing budgets, salaries, ranks, training and professional development must be standardised; legal, civilian and parliamentary oversight must be institutionalised; and the Peshmerga must be protected from all forms of partisan rivalry and political interference.
The Kurdistan Independence Party declares its full support for the unification and nationalisation of the Peshmerga forces and calls upon all political forces and parties in South Kurdistan to protect this historic achievement as a shared national asset and to prevent it from once again falling under the influence of partisan conflict.
Salute to the pure souls of the martyrs of Kurdistan;
Respect and appreciation to the heroic Peshmerga;
Congratulations on the unification of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces.
Kurdistan Independence Party
22 Khermanan 2026, Kurdish calendar
13 September 2026
