22/01/2025

Administration of North and East Syria marks 11 years of decentralized governance and coexistence

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) commemorated its 11th anniversary by reaffirming its role as a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of residents from diverse communities and faiths. In a formal statement, the administration emphasized its commitment to fostering unity and coexistence amid ongoing challenges in Syria.

‘Beacon of Hope’ Amid Challenges

Hikmat Habib, Co-Chair of the Peoples’ Council in Gozarto (Jazira) Canton, described the DAARNES experiment as a “beacon of hope” for a democratic, decentralized Syria, where all citizens enjoy equal rights and responsibilities. Reflecting on the anniversary in comments with Syriac Press, Habib acknowledged Syria’s deep-rooted structural crisis, noting that overcoming these challenges will require sustained effort. He highlighted the administration’s pivotal role in providing services and combating terrorism during this transitional period.

DAARNES was built on a social contract developed by the region’s diverse communities, a framework that later evolved into its current form. Habib emphasized that this model offers a roadmap for resolving Syria’s protracted conflict, providing an example of inclusive governance in a divided nation.

Despite its progress, the region continues to face significant threats, including attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS) and ongoing aggression from Turkey and its affiliated factions. Habib cited Turkey’s recent assaults on key infrastructure, such as Tishrin Dam, as examples of persistent challenges.

He urged the international community and Syrians nationwide to unite in pursuit of stability and security, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to overcome the nation’s adversities.



Reflections on DAARNES and Call for Support

Fellow Co-Chair of the Peoples’ Council in Gozarto Canton Arya Mulla Ahmed DAARNES as a transformative initiative aimed at decentralizing governance and fostering a democratic Syria. Mulla Ahmed emphasized DAARNES’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among all communities and recognition of Syria’s diverse identity.

Mulla Ahmed reflected on the DAARNES’s evolution, which began with its establishment in Gazerto Canton in 2014 before expanding to a broader regional administration in 2018. Since its inception, the administration has pursued a vision of decentralization designed to unite Syria’s communities under an inclusive national framework, moving away from a singular narrative of governance.

As the Administration marks its 11th anniversary, Mulla Ahmed reiterated Habib’s comments, noting that the celebration coincides with ongoing challenges, including intensified attacks on Tishrin Dam. She underscored the resilience of the region’s people, who, alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), continue to resist Turkish occupation forces and allied factions.

Calling for national unity, Mulla Ahmed urged Syrians to support the SDF and recognize DAARNES as a viable solution to the Syrian crisis. She advocated for the expansion of the Administration’s model across Syria, emphasizing its potential to establish a unified, democratic nation that honors its rich cultural and ethnic diversity.

As it moves forward, DAARNES remains a vital example of democratic governance in a fractured Syria. Its leaders continue to advocate for a decentralized system, promoting equality, stability, and peace for all Syrians.