A new political development has emerged regarding the future leadership of Kirkuk. An Arab member of the provincial council revealed details of a prior agreement that sets a timeline for transferring the governorship position.
First, Raad Salih confirmed that a political agreement defines how leadership roles rotate among components. He explained that the governorship will shift from the Turkmen community to an Arab representative starting January 1, 2027.
Moreover, this arrangement stems from a broader agreement reached in August 2024. Political actors designed the deal to balance power among different communities in Kirkuk. However, the agreement excluded some key parties, which continues to spark debate.
According to available details, the agreement initially granted the governorship to Ribwar Taha from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. He held the position for the first two years. During that same period, Mohammed Hafiz served as head of the provincial council.
Then, leadership shifted again in April 2026. Authorities transferred the governorship from Ribwar Taha to Mohammed Samaan, representing the Turkmen component. This step followed the agreed rotation process outlined in the deal.
Meanwhile, the agreement originated from a meeting held in Baghdad. From Kurdish, Arab, and Christian factions signed the deal. However, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Turkmen blocs, and some Arab representatives did not participate. As a result, critics question the inclusiveness and legitimacy of the arrangement.
Furthermore, the planned of power in 2027 reflects an attempt to maintain balance among Kirkuk’s diverse communities. Supporters argue that rotation ensures shared governance. On the other hand, opponents warn that excluding major groups could deepen divisions.
The agreement continues to shape Kirkuk’s political future. The next phase will test whether the planned transition to an Arab governor proceeds smoothly or faces further political challenges.