Hundreds of protesters gathered at the West Qurna 1 oil field in Basra on Sunday, demanding jobs. Despite police attempts to disperse them, protests will continue. Local engineers claim that job offers remain unfulfilled, despite government assurances. Similar protests have occurred in the past over employment issues in the oil sector.
On Sunday, protests erupted outside the West Qurna 1 oil field in Iraq’s Basra province, where hundreds of demonstrators sought employment opportunities for local residents. Security forces responded by attempting to forcibly disperse the crowd amid rising tensions. Hassan Wamid, representing unemployed engineers in Al-Sadiq district, highlighted that many protesters were engineers listed among 1,000 job vacancies that had yet to see formal hiring.
Despite the heavy-handed response from security forces wielding batons and sticks, Wamid assured that protests would persist, with demonstrators vowing to continue their demands for employment and accountability. The local government had previously promised immediate job solutions, but no significant action has followed, prompting ongoing unrest. Protests in Basra, particularly regarding job shortages at oil fields and ports, have a history; earlier this year, demonstrators also blocked access to the Rumaila oil field, expressing similar grievances.
In summary, protests regarding job shortages in Basra’s oil sector continue amidst government inaction, with demonstrators firmly committed to their cause despite police intervention. The demand for local employment opportunities remains urgent, following unmet promises from authorities. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region as citizens seek solutions to economic challenges.
Original Source: shafaq.com
