PROTESTS have taken place in the Shengal region of northern Iraq amid growing anger over a deal struck between Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional government (KRG) over the future of its Yazidi community.

It is understood that the agreement was signed on October 9, but the finer details remain unclear. According to media reports, the KRG will be responsible for administration of the contested region (also known as Sinjar), with Baghdad taking control of security.

The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khadimi said in a statement that “the existence of uninvited guest groups will be ended” — thought to be a reference to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Negotiations took place under the auspices of the United Nations as part of efforts to resolve issues regarding areas of Iraq that are contested between Baghdad and the KRG under Article 140 of the constitution.

But Yazidi organisations in the region warned that the agreement, which was signed in the Iraqi capital, lacked legitimacy as those affected were excluded from the decision-making process.

The deal was made after pressure from the United States, with Turkey insisting that the area must not come under the influence of the PKK.

The party retains popular support in the region as its militia defeated Isis there after it was abandoned by the KRG peshmerga in 2014 when then leader Masoud Barzani withdrew forces from the area, prioritising defence of oil-rich Kirkuk.

At least 5,000 men and boys were massacred by the jihadists and thousands of women sold into sexual slavery. More than 3,200 women and girls are still believed to be in captivity. The killings were officially designated a genocide by the United Nations in 2016.

A statement signed by the Yazidis’ Central Association, the women’s association and other community representatives described the agreement as “a catastrophic development for Yazidi society” made under pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which would see the elimination of the people of Shengal.

“It is more than astonishing to see that the Iraqi government, together with a power centre like the Kurdish regional government, makes decisions for the “protection of the Yazidis” without consulting the Yazidis and their representatives,” it said.

The groups called for the Iraqi government and international organisations including UN, the Council of Europe, the EU and others to “use their influence to preserve the existence of Yazidi society.”