Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa pledges a new era of justice and coexistence on the anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, as crowds celebrate
DAMASCUS: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to usher in an era of justice and peaceful coexistence one year after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Syria to mark the anniversary of the Islamist-led alliance’s capture of Damascus on December 8.
Jubilant crowds in the capital and other major cities waved Syrian flags as celebratory prayers broadcast from mosques at dawn.
“Today, with the dawn of freedom, we declare a historic break with that legacy,” Sharaa said in a speech.
He promised “a permanent departure from the era of despotism and tyranny, ushering in a bright new dawn”.
His speech was followed by nationwide celebrations featuring fireworks and revolutionary songs played over loudspeakers.
Sharaa also reaffirmed a commitment to transitional justice to ensure accountability for crimes against Syrians.
The fragile power transition has been shaken by sectarian massacres in the Alawite heartland and deadly clashes in Druze-majority Sweida.
Authorities announced investigations after some government forces or allies were implicated in the violence.
The civil war that began in 2011 killed more than half a million people and displaced millions more.
Tens of thousands remain missing, many after disappearing into the former government’s prisons.
“What happened over the past year seems like a miracle,” said Iyad Burghol, a 44-year-old doctor.
He noted major developments including former US President Donald Trump’s embrace of Sharaa, a former jihadist.
After years of war, Burghol said the most important thing is civil peace and basics like electricity.
Sharaa has restored Syria’s international standing and won sanctions relief but faces major domestic challenges.
He must gain public trust, guarantee security, rebuild institutions and keep the fractured country united.
“The current phase requires the unification of efforts by all citizens to build a strong Syria,” Sharaa said following dawn prayers at the Umayyad Mosque.
Humanitarian worker Ghaith Tarbin expressed hope the government would now “prioritise civil peace”.
Syria’s authorities have announced major infrastructure investment deals but most citizens see little improvement.
Security remains a persistent problem, with critics accusing the new government of marginalising minorities.
Some have called for decentralisation, which Sharaa has staunchly opposed in favour of a centralised state.
Amnesty International said the government’s response to violations will be a “litmus test” of its justice commitment.
Human Rights Watch said authorities took positive steps but “failed to prevent continued violence and atrocities”.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Syria has a chance to rebuild communities and heal deep divisions.
Not everyone celebrated, with shops shut in the coastal city of Jableh after an Alawite spiritual leader urged a boycott.
Kurdish authorities in the northeast banned public gatherings on Monday, citing security concerns.
A March deal to integrate Kurdish institutions into the central government has stalled, with no progress.
Kurdish authorities expressed support for the celebrations but condemned a defence ministry video threatening the northeast.
Israeli military operations and demands for a demilitarised zone in southern Syria pose further challenges. – AFP
