A Life of Dedication and Service

Mayor Bello is third from the right in this photo of a Chaldean Chamber visit to Washington, D.C. in 2023.

Remembering Basem Bello

By Alaa Mansour

In the heart of Alqosh, a town known for its deep historical roots and cultural significance, Basem Yaqo Bello was born in 1963. From humble beginnings, he rose to become a respected leader, dedicated public servant, and a man of unwavering integrity. His passing leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, and devotion to his community.

A Life of Commitment and Leadership

Basem Bello’s journey began in Alqosh, where he completed his primary and secondary education before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mosul. His passion for construction and development led him to work in both the private sector and agriculture, contributing to the family’s land while shaping the region’s infrastructure.

His leadership skills and commitment to his people became evident when he joined the Assyrian Democratic Movement in 2003. His relentless efforts in national service propelled him to prominence within the organization. In 2011, internal disputes within the movement led to the formation of a new political party, Abnaa Al-Nahrain (Sons of Mesopotamia), of which Basem was a founding member. Recognizing his dedication and leadership, he was elected to chair the organization in 2022. However, his ultimate goal remained unity among his people. By 2024, responding to the demands of supporters and the broader community, he played a vital role in reintegrating Abnaa Al-Nahrain back into the Assyrian Democratic Movement, ensuring a unified front for the political representation of his people.

In 2004, he successfully ran for the position of Tillkeppe District Mayor, where he served until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, Basem navigated the district through challenging times, earning the trust of its people across all communities. His ability to balance governance with fairness, wisdom, and strategic planning made him a beacon of hope for those he served.

Achievements as Mayor of Tillkeppe

Basem Bello’s tenure as mayor was marked by transformative progress in the region. He believed in involving the local population in decision-making, ensuring that infrastructure and service improvements reflected the true needs of the people. One of his earliest initiatives was renaming the city quarters of Tillkeppe, replacing the names imposed by the Ba’ath regime with ones that honored the indigenous heritage of the residents, such as Babel, Ashur, and Salam. His commitment to preserving the district’s cultural identity extended to protecting its security and stability.

In 2008, he worked tirelessly to establish a local security and police force to protect the Nineveh Plain and integrate it into the Iraqi security force. Over 600 individuals were recruited for this effort. However, due to ongoing disputes between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the Nineveh Plain was labeled a “disputed area,” leading to the downgrading of the security force to church security before it was eventually dismantled.

Additionally, in collaboration with local organizations and residents, he successfully campaigned for the removal of a prison in Tillkeppe that housed ISIS members. The facility was a source of ongoing tension and distress for the community, and its closure greatly improved the residents’ sense of security and well-being.

Known for his honesty, Basem Bello gained the respect of officials and citizens alike, leading to his recognition as the Iraq Best Mayor of 2021. In the aftermath of ISIS’s destruction, he played a crucial role in rebuilding Tillkeppe’s district government, educational, and healthcare institutions, securing international funding for vital projects.

His leadership extended to women’s empowerment, as he actively worked with organizations to provide professional training programs, fostering gender inclusivity in the workforce. Additionally, he was deeply committed to preserving the cultural and land rights of the district’s communities, taking legal and administrative measures to prevent demographic changes and protect Christian lands from unauthorized expropriation.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the hardships he faced, Basem Bello remained steadfast in his mission to serve his people. His leadership was not just about policies and governance; it was about compassion, unity, and creating a better future for generations to come.

Basem’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family—his wife Reem Hormuz Qasha, and their children Nisha, Nashra, and Shalama—as well as in the hearts of the countless individuals whose lives he touched. His dedication to justice, equality, and progress has left an indelible mark on Tillkeppe and beyond.

As we remember engineer Basem Bello, we honor not just the leader but the man—a devoted family member, a committed patriot, and a true servant of his people. His legacy will continue to inspire those who strive for a better and more just world.

To celebrate his contributions and ensure that future generations remember his dedication, I propose a monument should be erected in Alqosh, his beloved hometown, or in Tillkeppe, the city he served with unwavering loyalty. Such a monument would stand as a testament to his lifelong commitment to his people and their historical land, preserving his memory for generations to come.