Mustafa Al Kadhimi

Mustafa Al Kadhimi, former Prime Minister of Iraq, has devoted his life to public service and to the defence of human rights, democratic values and justice. In recognition of his efforts to promote dialogue and foster regional stability, he was awarded France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2022.

An early critic of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, Moustafa Al Kazemi spent years in exile, residing in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Iran and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq – then outside regime control. During his exile, he emerged as a leading documentarian, journalist and human rights advocate. A recipient of multiple awards for his writing, he also served as Director of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and the Iraq Memory Foundation – an organisation dedicated to preserving evidence of atrocities committed under Saddam Hussein.

Sworn into office on 6 May 2020, Al Kadhimi governed Iraq through a time of economic hardship and nationwide unrest. His administration’s priorities included strengthening government accountability, enacting electoral reforms and releasing peaceful protestors detained during the prior government’s crackdown.

One of his most defining contributions was the development of Iraq’s ‘White Paper’ for economic reform, an ambitious plan outlining over 200 measures aimed at curbing corruption, improving fiscal policy and enhancing transparency across government institutions. His tenure also marked the successful negotiation of the end of the US combat role in Iraq.

Al Kadhimi’s leadership combined a deep respect for civil liberties with a pragmatic approach to state-building, earning him international respect and recognition.