Statement by the Syrian Democratic Council

On the developments in Sweida Governorate and the risks facing the future of the country

The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) is following with great concern the serious security developments in the governorate of Sweida and armed clashes and acts of violence against civilians, in an unprecedented escalation that threatens to slide the country into deeper crises and threatens an internal explosion of a sectarian or regional violence, in light of the continued political deadlock and the absence of an inclusive national government.

What Sweida is witnessing today is not an isolated event, but a direct embodiment of the general collapse that is hitting the political and institutional structure in the country, as a result of decades of exclusion, tyranny, the marginalization of national components, and the failure of the central authorities to abide by their responsibilities towards managing diversity and ensuring civil peace.

The Syrian Democratic Council affirms that these dangerous developments directly threaten the principle of the unity and integrity of Syrian territory, and affect the very heart of international humanitarian law and the rights of Syrian citizens to security and a dignified life. It is also an indication of the fragility of the current situation and the need to urgently search for sustainable political solutions that end the causes of the conflict and prevent the recurrence of security explosions in other parts of the country.

Accordingly, and in fulfilment of our national and moral responsibility, the Syrian Democratic Council affirms the following:

First:

Condemn all forms of violence, armed clashes and insecurity that threaten civil peace in Sweida and other areas of Syria, and the need for an immediate cessation of all hostilities from any side, and the opening of an independent and transparent investigation into the current events, in order to ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable without discrimination or favoritism.

Secondly:

We urgently call for the launch of a comprehensive national dialogue, culminating in an inclusive national conference, in which all national democratic forces participate, and aimed at formulating a new Syrian political project based on the foundations of transitional justice, ending tyranny, and adopting a decentralized and pluralistic democratic system that guarantees the effective participation of all components of the Syrian people without exception.

Thirdly:

We warn of the dangers of descending into internal conflicts of a sectarian, regional or civil violence, due to the existential threats they pose to the Syrian state and its pluralistic society, and the catastrophic repercussions on the future of coexistence and societal peace.

Fourth:

Calling for an end to all forms of hate speech and media and political incitement, as they play a dangerous role in stirring up strife and fuelling divisions and pose a direct threat to civil peace and coexistence. We affirm that building national confidence starts with the responsible use of language and media platforms and requires respect for diversity and differences, free from incitement or betrayal.

Fifth:

We urge all political and military parties—locally, regionally, and internationally—to fulfil their legal, political, and moral responsibilities regarding the current situation. We call for respect for international law and urge all parties to refrain from any actions or interventions that may exacerbate the conflict or be used for narrow agendas.

Sixth: 

We firmly assert that any political solution must be exclusively Syrian, inclusive, and national. It should be founded on dialogue and consensus, based on mutual recognition, rather than on violence, exclusion, or external imposition. This approach should ensure the establishment of a democratic civil state that upholds equal citizenship, the rule of law, and respect for national, cultural, and religious diversity.

In conclusion:

At this critical moment, we urge all national forces to take responsibility for rebuilding trust and promoting civil peace. We advocate for reason to prevail, calling for an end to incitement and division. Let us work together towards an inclusive democratic national project that will guide Syria out of the darkness of war and destruction, opening a new horizon of freedom, justice, and stability for its people.

Syrian Democratic Council

22  July  2025

#Sweida

#Peace_Al-Ahli

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