Al-Hijri: Establishing autonomous administration independent of Damascus is irreversible

In a televised speech, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, stated that Druze demands are non-negotiable, and that “the path toward implementing the right to self-determination is moving forward with steady steps, away from the domination of groups with which coexistence has proven impossible,” affirming that there is no leadership or authority over the mountain (al-Jabal) except that chosen by its people.

Al-Hijri expressed gratitude to countries and organizations supporting the “Druze cause,” specifically naming Israel, “its government and people.”

He also rejected external interference from parties he described as having no authority over the Druze, reiterating that they will reclaim their rights and are best placed to manage their own affairs and administer their region. He stressed that “de facto forces will not be able to impose guardianship through coercion or deception,” describing such efforts as “blatant attempts.”

He referred to the interim government as a “terrorist government,” calling for it to be held accountable for all its violations and crimes under international law. He added that the immediate objective is to compel the perpetrators to implement the international agreement set in the July 2025 ceasefire, including the return of the abducted, disclosure of forcibly disappeared persons, and the liberation of Druze villages and towns.

Al-Hijri also thanked what he called international allies and guarantors who are working to consolidate Druze autonomous administration and full sovereignty over Jabal Bashan as a “stable reality.”

Domestically, he noted that Jabal Bashan is facing a complex system of pressure, including economic blockade, administrative encroachment, and systematic starvation policies. However, he emphasized that the region is overcoming these pressures through the awareness of its local community and the cohesion of its social fabric.

He stressed that defending the mountain and building its institutions is a collective mission that brings together all Druze through unified efforts and commitment to comprehensive administrative guidance that serves the public interest.

A-H 

ANHA