Syria’s acting leader renewed his commitment to implementing a democratic political shift as deliberations on the country’s future commenced.

Ahmed al-Sharaa on Tuesday called on his compatriots to unite and vowed to establish a transitional justice mechanism as he welcomed attendees of a national dialogue aimed at steering the nation’s political transition following years of civil war and the removal of ex-President Bashar al-Assad.

Al-Sharaa stated that the state would retain sole control over arms, addressing a critical issue in a nation where numerous armed factions have been in conflict for years.

The meeting in Damascus, the nation’s capital, was promoted by al-Sharaa and his governing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a key milestone towards a democratic and inclusive transition and national reconstruction. Yet, there are apprehensions about the pace of this process.

“All Syrians must stand united and collaborate to heal the wounds and overcome the pain incurred over decades of dictatorship,” Sharaa said in his opening speech, during which he announced the formation of a transitional justice committee.

In the preceding two months, efforts have been focused on pursuing those accountable for crimes against Syrians, added al-Sharaa.

“The unity and state monopoly of arms are essential duties and obligations, not mere privileges,” he maintained.

Al-Sharaa has previously suggested integrating Kurdish-led forces, who also fought against al-Assad’s regime, into the national army.

Plans for the conference were finalized at short notice, catching many off guard. The event, initially expected to take months to arrange, was announced just a day prior. Invitations were issued as the organizing committee traveled through Syria to consult with community leaders, leading to some confusion and criticism from attendees and observers.

Approximately 600 delegates are participating in the discussions, which will cover crucial topics such as transitional justice, the structure of a new constitution, institutional reform, personal liberties, civil society’s role, and economic restoration.

While the conference’s outcomes are advisory, they are under close scrutiny as the international community deliberates on easing sanctions previously imposed on Syria during al-Assad’s rule.

A new constitution is amongst the eagerly awaited outcomes, though achieving this goal within a single day is uncertain.

Scepticism has been fueled by the short notice and the day-long schedule of the conference.

Many individuals from Syria’s diverse communities, including Kurds, Christians, Druze, and members of Assad’s Alawite sect, remain unconvinced by the new ruler’s promises of inclusive governance due to concerns about their future.

Given HTS’s former ties to al-Qaida and al-Sharaa’s subsequent advocacy for coexistence, these concerns are not unfounded.

Criticism has also been voiced by parties within Syria’s autonomous Kurdish administration, who label the representation of minority groups as “token” and therefore ineffective in addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.

Individual Syrians, such as Dalia Dalati, who was displaced during the civil war, express doubts about any meaningful outcomes, noting that the economic and security situations remain fragile three months after al-Assad’s fall.

However, participants like Iman Shahoud, a judge from Hama, view the conference as a significant achievement, symbolizing the presence and participation of all Syrian factions, including women and men from various communities.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/25/syrias-interim-leader-launches-national-dialogue-on-political-future?traffic_source=rss