Omed Khoshnaw sacked as Erbil governor, Iraqi Kurdistan

Omed Khoshnaw Allowed Temporary Return But Ordered to Submit Resignation, Sources Say

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw was removed from his position on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, according to an administrative document issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The order named Khoshnaw’s deputy, Hemen Qadir, as acting governor with immediate effect. Kurdish authorities released no formal statement explaining the reasons behind the sudden removal.

Khoshnaw had served as Erbil governor since February 2021, when he took over from the late Firsat Sofi following his predecessor’s death.

Nechirvan Barzani with Massoud Barzani and Masrour Barzani — Tribal leader Massoud Barzani (center) with his son, Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right), and his nephew, Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani, on May 12, 2023. Photo: Barzani’s press office/via ikurd.net.

Observers said the dismissal reflects a growing power struggle between Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and his cousin, caretaker Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Khoshnaw was widely considered a close political ally of Masrour Barzani and his father, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Massoud Barzani.

NRT TV reported that on the day a drone struck President Nechirvan Barzani’s residence in Dohuk, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw openly expressed his support, sending messages and statements backing Nechirvan Barzani.

Sources said Khoshnaw acted independently without consulting the KDP party. Masrour Barzani reportedly raised concerns because Khoshnaw did not offer the same support when Massoud Barzani’s residence was targeted by multiple drone attacks. Observers also noted that Masrour was concerned at the time, as Khoshnaw frequently followed orders from him.

Omed Khoshnaw with Masrour Barzani Mar 2026 — Caretaker Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani (right), with Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw walking behind him, Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, March 2026. Photo: Erbil Governor’s Press Office/via iKurd.net

Khoshnaw reportedly made repeated attempts to meet Massoud Barzani, but initial efforts were unsuccessful. He later submitted a request through Barzani’s office by phone, and after persistent effort, permission for the meeting was granted. Sources said Barzani agreed to allow Khoshnaw to temporarily return to his position, pending his eventual resignation.

Official documents indicate that Erbil currently has two figures performing governor duties. Hemen Qadir is officially recognized as governor, while Omed Khoshnaw continues to act in the role. Earlier today, Khoshnaw formally received the Turkish consul in Erbil.

Analysts describe Massoud Barzani, the KDP’s longtime leader and tribal figurehead, as the hidden hand shaping key political decisions across Iraqi Kurdistan.

The region’s two top posts remain within his family circle, with son Masrour serving as Prime Minister and nephew Nechirvan holding the presidency.