Raqqa tribes reject secret deals, demand international oversight in talks with central government

RAQQA, Syria — Amid mounting speculation over possible agreements between the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) and the Syrian government, tribal leaders in Raqqa have stressed that the city’s future will not be decided behind closed doors. 

Sheikh Mohammed Nour al-Dhib, leader of the Al-Bureij Tribe, told North Press that the latest meeting focused primarily on the political situation and on gathering perspectives from civil society regarding the ongoing negotiations between DAARNES and the Syrian government. 

The meeting, held last Sunday, brought together notables from Raqqa and Tabqa with representatives of the US-led International Coalition, notably in the absence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or any other military actors. 

According to al-Dhib, two separate sessions were convened. The first gathered sheikhs and tribal figures from Raqqa and Tabqa to discuss ways of strengthening integration and supporting negotiations between DAARNES and the Syrian government. Participants emphasized that such talks must occur under international sponsorship and International Coalition guarantees. 

Sheikh al-Dhib explained that the meetings involved an advisory body composed of seven components representing diverse sectors of Raqqa society, including tribal leaders, dignitaries, religious and political figures, civil society groups, intellectuals, technocrats, human rights activists, women, and members of the legislative, executive, and judicial councils. 

Participants, he said, insisted that the International Coalition respect fundamental national principles — particularly the unity of Syrian territory, rejection of division or secession, and the adoption of administrative decentralization as the only viable solution to the Syrian crisis. They also called for continued international sponsorship in future negotiation rounds between DAARNES and the Syrian government. 

Al-Dhib concluded by dismissing reports that Raqqa might be handed over to Damascus as “completely false,” stressing that the meetings with the International Coalition remain strictly within a civil and political framework, without any military role or transfer of authority. 

This unified stance among Raqqa’s tribes reflects deep concern that the city — having paid a heavy price in the war against the Islamic State (ISIS) — might be reduced to a bargaining chip in the broader conflict between Damascus and DAARNES.