Calls in NE Syria for decentralized system of governance

Amid growing demands for new governance systems in Syria, officials and activists from North and East Syria underscored the need to abandon the centralized model that has prevailed for decades, calling instead for a decentralized system that ensures justice and genuine participation for all components of Syrian society.

In exclusive remarks to ANHA Agency, Kadim ‘Idan, the Co-Chair of the Peoples’ Council in Raqqa Canton, stated: “The constitutional declaration issued after the Victory Conference was unjust to the peoples of North and East Syria. These original and deeply rooted communities had hoped for genuine change after the collapse of the centralized system that ruled the country for decades under one color, one flag, one party, and one language.”

‘Idan continued: “We had hoped that the post-regime stage would usher in a new era of pluralism and recognition of all components. But the constitutional declaration was shocking. Women were marginalized, despite their pioneering role in political, military, and administrative fields. Youth were also sidelined, at a time when we believed that real change begins with young people and triumphs through them.”

He added that hope remains in the March 10 Agreement, which he described as a real opportunity to build a comprehensive political solution that recognizes Syria’s diversity, which he called a “beautiful mosaic” of religions, nationalities, and political spectra.

‘Idan warned against continuing the same centralized and exclusionary approach that prevailed under the former regime, noting that any solution imposed through external dictates—particularly from Turkey—would be ineffective and would only deepen the crisis, as seen in the coastal regions and in Sweida, where the rights and demands of important local communities were disregarded.

He emphasized that the only viable solution lies in adopting a federal decentralized system that grants the regions administrative and service-related powers, while maintaining sovereign ministries—such as defense, finance, and foreign affairs—at the central level, in a framework that respects local specificities.

In the same context, Ibrahim ‘Uwies, Co-Chair of the Religious Council in Raqqa Canton, stressed the importance of upholding Islamic values that call for unity and cohesion. He cited the Quranic verse: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided,” recalling God’s blessing of uniting hearts despite previous enmities.

‘Uwies emphasized that the Qur’anic message affirms equality among all people without distinction between white and black, Arab and non-Arab, adding: “Syria belongs to all Syrians, with all their communities, colors, and languages; it does not belong to one sect or group alone. The sole measure of dignity is piety.”

He concluded by calling for respect for everyone’s opinions and for the participation of all components of Syrian society in building their homeland, expressing hope that security and peace will prevail in the country—drawing inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad’s address upon entering Medina, in which he called for love, peace, and the spreading of goodness among people.

For her part, Khulud Muhammad, a member of the Zenobia Women’s Assembly in Raqqa Canton, affirmed that pluralism and decentralization are essential requirements for safeguarding the rights of the peoples of North and East Syria.

She explained that these peoples have long suffered under decades of Ba’athist central rule, which marginalized many communities, excluded women from meaningful participation, and stripped them of their basic rights.

Khulud Muhammad added that the people of North and East Syria are now striving to reclaim their usurped rights, expressing demands for the establishment of a pluralistic and decentralized system that guarantees freedom and peaceful coexistence for all communities, while restoring women to their rightful place in society.

She noted that the past years have been marked by hardship and suffering, which makes pluralism and decentralization the only path toward achieving justice and dignity for the people of the region.

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ANHA