KCK calls on transitional government to reverse its interventions in Kobani 

The Co-presidency of the Executive Council of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) issued a statement regarding recent events in Rojava, which reads as follows:

“We extend our condolences to the families of Sipan Hiznî, who was martyred in Heseka, and our nine people who lost their lives after burning to death in the prison in Kobani; we wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

The statement added: “The Rojava Revolution and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria were attacked on February 6, 2026, by forces of the HTS-dominated interim administration in Syria as part of an international plan. In response to this attack, Leader Apo called for the peaceful resolution of problems within the framework of the democratic integration policy he had proposed for all countries of the region, particularly Turkey. Following this call, an agreement was reached between the interim Damascus government and the Autonomous Administration. Leader Apo had previously also provided a perspective for resolving problems on the basis of democratizing Syria. He repeatedly conveyed to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria that this perspective could be achieved through democratic integration. Integration must take place on the basis of democratization. The democratic aspect of integration is achieved by recognizing all different identities as equal and free.”

The Co-Presidency of the KCK Executive Council continued: “For months, the Autonomous Administration has both held talks with the Damascus government for democratic integration and waged a social struggle on this issue. However, it appears that problems have recently emerged regarding democratic integration. While a people’s education in their mother tongue should be beyond debate, efforts are being made to prevent the mother-tongue education that has been provided for 14 years in Rojava and areas where Kurds live. Serious efforts are being made to restrict education in Kurdish. This attack on 14 years of education demonstrates that the interim Damascus government does not genuinely want to recognize the existence of the Kurds. In this way, a religious version of Ba’athist nationalism is being imposed.

Our people and young people have been standing up against this for days. They have demonstrated that they will defend their right to education in their mother tongue. The organized strength of the Kurdish people will ensure that education in the mother tongue continues. The people and students say that education in our mother tongue is our red line. Saying, ‘It was never taught during the Ba’ath era,’ is nothing more than demagoguery. Comparing the situation with the Ba’ath regime creates, from the outset, the basis for restricting the Kurdish people’s free and democratic life. Our people have also shown that they will not accept such games.”

The statement underlined that “democratic integration begins, above all, with accepting local democracy and the will of the local population. The latest events in Kobanê have shown that the interim Damascus government rejects the local will. The approach of trying to resolve locally solvable problems by sending forces from Damascus and Aleppo essentially means continuing the governing culture of Ba’athist rule.

This approach by the interim Damascus government has been met with opposition not only from the Rojava and Syrian Kurdish people, but also from the Kurds in all four parts of Kurdistan and Kurds around the world. The DEM Party has described the intervention in Kobani as a provocation aimed at the democratic integration process. The fact that the Kurdish population in Rojava and Syria is smaller than in the other parts of Kurdistan does not mean that they are without support or that they will accept this attack.”

The KCK added that “the Kurds in Rojava and Syria are Kurds who have carried out a democratic revolution. This revolution has given them awareness, will and organization. Our people can repel all kinds of attacks by demonstrating this strength through democratic actions. Democratization and fundamental democratic rights cannot be protected or won by simply waiting for them to be granted! In this regard, our people can exercise their democratic rights within the bounds of legitimacy. The stance taken by the people and students in support of education in their mother tongue is an important example of exercising their democratic rights. It is very important to develop democratic social organization widely and in depth in order to maintain and sustain the democratic struggle.

The interim Damascus government should refrain from approaches, attitudes and interventions that will also harm itself. It should make use of Kurdish strength for democratization and the stability of Syria. The Syrian state will achieve stability and grow stronger as it recognizes the free and democratic life of all identities and faiths.”

Sh-S

ANHA