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An arrest warrant was issued against the former governor of Nineveh Nawfal al-Akoub province. He and his two deputies had been dismissed last Sunday for corruption. These decisions follow the sinking of the ferry on the Tigre at Mosul on March 21st. The death toll is currently more than 120 dead and dozens missing. The tragedy angered the population and forced the Iraqi government to crack down.
Several officials from Nineveh governorate were arrested. All have long been accused of corruption. But it took the tragedy of March 21 and its more than 120 deaths to force the national authorities to crack down.
In recent days protesters accused the boat operator of overloading the vessel and ignored the authorities' warnings about the water level being too high. This tragedy is seen as a consequence of the widespread corruption in the province of Nineveh where some entrepreneurs conduct their business as they see fit.
The prime minister must prove that he is able to stop corruption. This was one of the main issues in last year's election. On the other hand it is important to maintain the stability of the second city of the country released for two years from the Islamic State organization. Militias and political parties vie for control of the great Mosul.
The inhabitants of the city are humiliated and accused of collaborating with the terrorists. Fear may prevent them from conducting long-term protests. But if nothing is done, the trauma of violence and misery could profoundly affect future generations.