Suwayda – DeFacto
On January 15, 2025, the city of Suwayda in southern Syria witnessed a groundbreaking dialogue session titled “Post-Assad Syria: Towards an Effective Transition” organized by the De Facto Dialogue Platform.
Held at al-Aamer Hotel in the city center, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from Syrian political parties, civil society organizations, legal experts, activists, researchers, and journalists from across the country.
The session focused on fostering political and constitutional progress and building trust among different Syrian factions to ensure fair and inclusive participation for all segments of society during the ongoing transitional phase.
Participants underscored the importance of pluralistic dialogue to safeguard national priorities and firmly rejected any attempts at exclusion or division.
Unity of Syria as a nation and people was emphasized, alongside the critical roles of youth and women in shaping a new constitution and contributing to the nation’s recovery.
The first panel featured notable figures including Alice Mufrej, member of the Negotiation Commission and a prominent feminist activist, Ali Rahmoun, Deputy Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), Mazyad al-Kreidy, legal advisor, and Tareq Watfa, a constitutional law attorney.
This panel highlighted mechanisms to enhance political dialogue, constitutional reforms, and inclusive governance, with a particular focus on empowering marginalized groups.
The second panel included Lamis Mundher, communication officer for livelihood projects, Anas al-Rawi, executive director of the Houz Center, and Shelair Sido, a human rights advocate. Discussions centered on sustainable development initiatives, social reconciliation, and the role of civil society in post-conflict recovery.
The dialogue concluded with several important recommendations:
- Continuation of political dialogue among all Syrian factions to promote unity and peace.
- Facilitation of safe and voluntary return for displaced individuals and refugees.
- Delivery of unrestricted humanitarian aid to all regions in need.
- Formation of a follow-up committee to advance national dialogue and ensure equitable political participation for all Syrians.
The session marked a significant step toward a peaceful and inclusive political transition, reaffirming the collective commitment to Syria’s unity and prosperity.
