Elham Ahmed: Aleppo's deal signals new chapter

In an exclusive interview with ANNA agency, Elham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), welcomed the recent agreement reached in Aleppo between the Administration and the Damascus authorities about the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, signed on April 1.

“The agreement marks beginning of forthcoming understandings toward a decentralized Syria"

 Ahmed emphasized that the residents of the two neighborhoods had long endured severe hardships due to sieges, lack of resources, and systematic policies imposed by the Ba'ath regime. The agreement came after discussions held in Damascus between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the authorities in Damascus.

Ahmed described the agreement as a positive step that has brought relief to civilians in Aleppo and improved their living conditions. She noted that it serves the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in particular and could be the prelude to broader future understandings between the Autonomous Administration and the emerging governance structure in Syria, within the framework of a new, decentralized, and pluralistic state.

 Furthermore, Ahmed noted that the agreement represents a starting point for broader understandings, and that it was essential for the residents of the two neighborhoods and for Aleppo as a whole. The responsibility for maintaining security in the two neighborhoods has been assigned to the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) following the withdrawal of military units.

She stressed the importance of keeping civilians and the neighborhoods away from ongoing conflicts, stating: “The protection of civilian lives is imperative. Therefore, security guarantees are required both from the authorities responsible for Aleppo and from the Asayish forces now present in the neighborhoods.”

Ahmed underlined the importance of the two neighborhoods’ participation in security-related decision-making and access to information, given that they remain part of Aleppo Governorate.

Local Councils to Coordinate with City Administration on Services

Ahmed explained that a local council remains in place in both neighborhoods and will continue to operate as such under the terms of the agreement. With regard to the provision of services and healthcare, coordination will take place with the Aleppo city administration. Resources will be allocated in a civil framework involving both the local council of the neighborhoods and the Aleppo Governorate Council.

New Approach in Syria Aimed at Ending the Conflict

Ahmed expressed optimism regarding the ongoing transformations within Syria, stressing that the country has been severely exhausted by war and its people have suffered extensively due to prolonged conflict and acts of retribution.

 “We view such understandings as a new and hopeful development in the Syrian context, potentially contributing to ending the conflict at both the national and regional levels,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed emphasized the necessity of expanding such agreements across Syria to prevent new conflicts and ensure the protection of civilians. She also underscored the urgent need to address unresolved issues and unmet rights, saying:

 “There are critical political rights and freedoms that have long been denied to the Syrian people. Constitutional provisions that guarantee these rights are essential for putting an end to the conflict and guiding Syria toward a new future. Broadening this model of understanding and embedding it in the constitutional framework is a necessary and urgent step.”

On the implications of the Aleppo agreement for the return of forcibly displaced persons from Afrin, Ahmed said the Afrin issue remains unresolved. It was raised during meetings in Damascus and discussed with various international parties, including United Nations agencies and other stakeholders.

She stated that the current agreement could pave the way for similar understandings regarding Afrin, affirming that the return of Afrin’s displaced population is essential. Such a step could mark a new chapter in the Syrian conflict by promoting citizen security and reversing the demographic changes that have taken place in Afrin in recent years. Ahmed added that the Autonomous Administration is following this issue closely in its dialogues with Damascus.

Regarding the cities of Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Tel Abyad (Gire Spi), Ahmed affirmed that these areas remain under Turkish occupation and its allied mercenaries. These territories are currently the subject of ongoing discussions.

“Resolving these issues is among the core priorities of the Autonomous Administration. We are committed to ensuring a safe and voluntary return for all Syrians, particularly to these areas,” she said.

 Elham Ahmed stressed that a large number of Syrian internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain inside the country. Although some areas witnessed returns following the decline of the Ba’ath regime, others have not due to ongoing security challenges.

“Security guarantees are essential to enable safe and dignified returns for the displaced to their areas of origin,” she concluded.

a.k

ANHA