SOHR Director: Partial implementation of SDF–government deal

On January 29, an agreement was reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government in Syria. It was officially announced on January 30. The deal stipulated a ceasefire and the start of repositioning military and internal security forces in Jazira and Kobani, in addition to integrating autonomous administration institutions and confirming employees in their posts. It also includes guarantees for the return of displaced persons as part of efforts to unify territories and enhance stability.

The agreement has now entered its second month, after initial steps including security redeployments and limited institutional integration. However, there have been no visible moves on key provisions, most notably the integration of military forces, the return of displaced persons, and the lifting of the siege imposed on Kobani.

On the extent to which the agreement has been translated into reality, Observatory Director stressed that it should be evaluated based on facts on the ground rather than political statements.

In a statement to ANHA agency, Abdul Rahman said the agreement has so far significantly reduced clashes. However, he noted that implementation has been partial and selective, making the deal closer to a fragile understanding than a stable settlement.

He explained that the most delayed provisions include full military redeployment, lifting the siege on Kobani, releasing detainees, revealing the fate of the missing, ensuring the safe return of displaced persons, and unifying administration and services.

The Observatory director attributed the delays to a lack of trust between the parties, the multiplicity of actors, disputes over influence and authority, and the impact of regional factors.

Abdul Rahman added that current obstacles range from political disagreements over the form of governance and the future of the region, to security challenges caused by sporadic attacks, as well as administrative issues related to resource management and authority distribution.

On the return of displaced persons, he indicated that returns remain limited due to security fears, the absence of legal guarantees, the scale of destruction, weak services, and demographic changes that have occurred during years of war.

He noted that Kobani represents a real test for the agreement due to its location and symbolism, stressing that the current relative calm does not mean core issues have been resolved and that any potential escalation could expose the fragility of the existing understanding.

The director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights warned that failure of the agreement could lead to a new wave of displacement, broader security deterioration, and deepening divisions in Syria, emphasizing that civilians would be the greatest victims of any setback.

ANHA