Political leader outlines challenges facing Assyrians in Iraq
Assyrians continue to face both external pressures and internal divisions in Iraq, a senior member of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM) said in a recent interview, emphasizing that the movement remains steadfast.
During his recent visit to Australia, Ninab Toma, a member of the political bureau of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM), spoke with SBS Assyrian about the challenges confronting the Assyrian nation and the ADM, particularly in managing its affairs in northern Iraq.
Toma explained that the current circumstances in Iraq, rooted in instability that dates back to the Saddam regime, continue to prevent the country from achieving true peace and stability. This persistent unrest, he said, has caused widespread disillusionment among Assyrians, driving many to seek a better life abroad.
He also noted that Iraq’s political landscape remains heavily influenced by external powers seeking to shape its direction for their own benefit. This interference, combined with internal division among Assyrians, has weakened the Assyrians ability to work collectively for their cause and to participate effectively in the political process, he explained.
"We remain steadfast"
Toma also addressed internal challenges within ADM, when asked about allegations that former secretary-general, Yonadam Kanna, was witholding funds belonging to the Movement, thereby limiting its ability to operate and expand. “The new committee had hoped that former members and longtime supporters would assist in rebuilding and strengthening the organization,” he said. “Unfortunately, this has not always been the case.”
Despite these obstacles, Toma reaffirmed that the ADM remains steadfast. The recent reunification with Abnaa Al-Nahrain (a group that had split from the ADM) after more than a decade of division, stands as “a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance and genuine commitment to unity”, he said.
"We will not be intimidated"
Addressing the Kha b’Nisan (Assyrian New Year) stabbing incident, where a Kurd attacked and injured three Assyrians during the procession, Toma described it as “a tragic event that could have escalated into something far worse.” He emphasized that such moments must not silence the Assyrian voice. “On the contrary,” he said, “they must strengthen our resolve to raise our national pride and send a clear message to those who wish to divide us: we will not be intimidated.”
Toma further stressed that the Assyrian issue is not with the Kurdish or Arab people themselves, but with those Arab and Kurdish representatives who fail to respect Assyrian rights and decisions. “It is essential that our perspective is communicated directly and clearly – in Kurdish and Arabic – so that ordinary people understand our position without distortion or manipulation by political figures,” he said.
Throughout the discussion, Toma’s message remained consistent: the survival of the Assyrian nation depends on unity, love for one another, and a renewed sense of purpose. “If we could channel even a fraction of the energy we spend fighting each other toward advancing our national interests,” he said, “we would achieve so much more.”
