Iraq replaces head of state grain agency

BAGHDAD - Iraq, a major Middle East wheat and rice importer, has replaced the head of its state grain buying agency, government sources and a document showed on Tuesday.

Naeem al-Maksousi was replaced by Hassanein Mahdi Elwan, a document reviewed by Reuters showed.

The reason for the replacement, which comes after a week of unrest in Iraq in which more than 100 people have been killed, was not clear.

A government source said the move was routine, but a Middle East grains trader with close knowledge of the Iraqi market linked the change to the current protests over living conditions.

"The government has to make some changes with all what is happening in the country," said the trader, who declined to be identified.

The unrest in Iraq represents the biggest security and political challenge for Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government since it took power a year ago.

Iraq's grain board is responsible for billions of dollars worth of wheat and rice purchases each year to supply the country's massive food rationing programme. Maksousi has headed the organisation since 2018.

The state buyer falls under the trade ministry and holds regular international purchasing tenders to import wheat and rice for the rationing programme, which covers flour, cooking oil, rice, sugar and baby milk formula. The programme was first created in 1991 to combat UN economic sanctions.

Iraqis have taken to the streets in the last six days to protest poor living conditions which they blame on what they see as corrupt leaders.