Writer: Syrians need an inclusive National Conference to represent them

The so-called "Syrian National Dialogue Conference," held by the transitional government in Damascus in February, failed to gather all factions, as several political and military forces, as well as active civil and human rights groups, were absent from the Syrian scene. Notably absent were the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces, representatives of the Druze and Alawite communities, in addition to most opposition forces abroad, which reduced the inclusivity of the dialogue.

Excluding Components Weakens Any National Dialogue

In this context, Mohammad Abdul Baqi Mohammad, member of the Arab Writers Union in Syria, said: "There is a problem in the structure of Syrian authority, as it operates with the mentality that the victor decides. On this basis, it brings closer whomever it wishes and excludes others. Syrian society has been highly diverse since its establishment, and it is impossible to exclude one component and favor another."

He indicated that the transitional government follows the mentality of the victor, which contradicts the idea of an inclusive dialogue that requires equality among all parties.

A Conference Without Inclusivity Does Not Represent Syrians

Mohammad explained: "When we talk about a national dialogue conference, it means it must include all Syrian components to be truly national, so that everyone finds themselves represented in producing a modern Syria. When the authorities exclude these components, the conference does not represent all Syrians."

He considered that the absence of key parties caused the conference to lack national legitimacy and inclusiveness.

The Need for a Truly Inclusive Conference

Mohammad clarified that Syrians need a comprehensive national conference to express their demands and opinions. He proposed an alternative solution: a genuine, inclusive conference that includes all parties without exception.

Marginalizing Others Undermines Democracy

Mohammad Abdul Baqi Mohammad continued: "When we marginalize others, we diminish the dialogue and practice exclusion. If we say we are building a pluralistic democratic Syria, a state of citizenship, no one should be excluded. All components must be present to represent themselves and give real meaning to the National Dialogue Conference that represents all Syrian factions."

He stressed that any exclusion undermines the idea of the pluralistic democratic state that Syrians aspire to.

Transitional Justice as the Basis of the Solution

Mohammad pointed out that the first step should be to activate the concept of transitional justice, saying: "Through it, we identify those whose hands are stained with the blood of Syrians, whether by truth or by embezzlement of public funds. We must then abandon factional and revenge mentalities and think in terms of the state, subjecting these individuals to fair trials under the law. In this sense, we lay the foundational stone towards achieving transitional justice, then organize a national dialogue conference where Syrians express themselves and their aspirations."

Mohammad Abdul Baqi Mohammad, member of the Arab Writers Union in Syria, concluded by emphasizing that transitional justice is a pivotal step before any genuine national dialogue to ensure accountability and build trust.

ANHA