Mark Savaya: 2026 to Be a Turning Point for Ending Corruption, Militias, and Instability in Iraq

Peregraf - Mark Savaya, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy to Iraq, issued a New Year message at the start of 2026, reaffirming Washington’s support for Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and unity, and pledging continued cooperation with the Iraqi government within the framework of the constitution and the law to secure a better future for the Iraqi people.

In his message addressed to Iraqis, Savaya said that 2026 should be a year of peace, unity, and renewed hope, praising the strength and resilience of the Iraqi people and describing them as an inspiration to the world. He expressed optimism that the new year would bring improved opportunities, greater stability, and a brighter future for all Iraqis.

The U.S. envoy stressed that the United States will continue working with the government of the Republic of Iraq, in accordance with the Iraqi constitution and laws, to help build a prosperous and secure future for the country. He underlined the importance of partnership between Baghdad and Washington in supporting security, economic recovery, and institutional reform.

Savaya said that efforts in 2026 will be focused on making the year a decisive turning point that marks the end of long-standing crises and challenges facing Iraq. He listed instability, the spread of uncontrolled weapons, the presence of militias, internal tensions, foreign interference, and entrenched corruption as key obstacles that must be addressed.

He added that combating economic and financial crimes will be a major priority, including the plundering of national resources, smuggling, money laundering, bogus contracts, embezzlement, and the circumvention of the law, stressing that these practices have severely harmed the Iraqi state and undermined public trust. 

The U.S. envoy also emphasized the need to tackle social and service-related challenges, noting that efforts must focus on improving public services, reducing unemployment, fighting ignorance and poverty, addressing inequality, and ending injustice. He said that confronting these issues is essential to improving the daily lives of Iraqis and restoring confidence in state institutions.

In a direct warning to those involved in corruption, Savaya said, “Your time is over, and the time of Iraq and the Iraqi people has begun,” in what observers described as one of the strongest and most explicit messages from a senior U.S. official regarding accountability and reform in Iraq.

Savaya concluded his message by affirming that Iraq and its flag will remain high and flying proudly as a source of pride for all Iraqis, adding, “We are just getting started,” signaling continued U.S. engagement and support for Iraq’s path toward stability, reform, and long-term development.

The message comes as Iraq faces complex political, economic, and security challenges, amid growing domestic and international anticipation over whether 2026 will mark tangible progress in resolving the long-standing crises that have weighed heavily on the country for years.