Secretary-General of Permanent Conference of Federalism in Lebanon Alfred Riachi warns of sectarian fragmentation, stresses need to protect national balance in Lebanon

BEIRUT — During an appearance on Suroyo TV, Secretary-General of the Permanent Conference of Federalism in Lebanon Alfred Riachi raised concerns about the increasing alienation of the Shia community from Lebanon’s national fabric. He emphasized the need for inclusive solutions to address the country’s ongoing challenges.

Riachi noted that federalism, once a taboo subject during Syria’s influence over Lebanon, is now being reconsidered by academics and political circles. He highlighted Lebanese Forces’s evolving stance, showing openness to administrative decentralization as an alternative to federalism.

Criticizing the Taif Agreement, Riachi argued it had adversely impacted Christians by weakening their constitutional authority, leaving many feeling politically marginalized. He further pointed to naturalization policies, which granted citizenship to over 250,000 non-Christians, as a significant factor disrupting Lebanon’s demographic balance. This imbalance, he said, has driven the migration of more than one million Christians, altering the country’s population structure.

Riachi called for urgent action to resolve critical national issues, condemning past agreements with Israel and rejecting normalization efforts to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty. He also underscored the importance of protecting the Shia community from marginalization, reaffirming their vital role in Lebanon’s social and political fabric.