DAARNES condemns the controversial meeting held by Syrian authorities amid calls for inclusive national dialogue

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — Following the fall of the Ba’ath regime—an event widely seen as a victory for the Syrian people, many had hoped for a new era of national reconciliation. The expectation was the convening of a broad-based Syrian national conference to draft a new constitution and pave the way for parliamentary and presidential elections. Instead, the authorities in Daramsuq (Damascus) last week held an exclusive meeting with key faction leaders, sparking concerns about the direction of the country’s political transition.

A Meeting that Raises Questions 

The gathering in Daramsuq (Damascus) brought together various faction leaders, some of whom have been accused of war crimes. Among the most controversial attendees was Ahmad Ihsan Fayad Al-Hays, known as “Abu Hatem Shaqra,” who was implicated in the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party. Also present was Mohammad Al-Jassem, better known as “Abu Amsha,” whose forces have been accused of committing grave violations, particularly in Afrin.

Stunned that US sanctioned Abu Hatem Shaqra (Ahmad al-Hayes) spoke at “victory” event today electing Ahmed al-Sharaa President of Syria.

Shaqra was sanctioned for crimes including “trafficking of Yazidi women & children” & his SNA militia Ahrar al-Sharqiya for Hevrin Khalaf’s… pic.twitter.com/wcgvn63Bvm

— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) January 30, 2025

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) swiftly condemned the meeting, calling it “illegitimate” and arguing that it failed to represent the aspirations of Syria’s diverse communities. “Decisions that shape Syria’s future should be made through a comprehensive national conference, not behind closed doors with individuals whose hands are stained with the blood of the Syrian people,” DAARNES said in a statement.

Call for Inclusive Dialogue 

DAARNES and other political entities have long pushed for a national conference that includes all Syrian communities, particularly marginalized groups such as women and youth. “Exclusion is a recipe for instability,” the statement emphasized, warning that any attempt to sideline key political and social forces would only perpetuate the injustices of the past.   

The call for inclusion comes amid growing concerns that Syria’s transition is being shaped by familiar patterns of power consolidation. Critics argue that without broad participation, the new political order risks becoming a continuation of the old regime under a different name.

Rising Tensions over Hate Speech 

Beyond the political disputes, the meeting also ignited fears over rising sectarian and ethnic tensions. DAARNES pointed to recent public demonstrations, including one in Daramsuq’s Umayyad Square, where inflammatory rhetoric was used against specific communities. “The authorities must prevent any attempt to spread hate speech or incite division,” the statement urged, warning that such actions could deepen societal fractures at a time when unity is most needed.

What’s Next for Syria? 

As Syria navigates this fragile transition, the pressure is mounting on Daramsuq (Damascus) to reconsider its approach. Political analysts suggest that a failure to hold an inclusive national dialogue could lead to prolonged instability and further alienate significant portions of the population. 

For now, the demand remains clear: a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria where all voices have a seat at the table. Whether the authorities will heed this call remains an open question.