Residents of Suwayda province gathered in front of the governorate building on Sunday to voice their support for the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) and denounce calls for self-rule in the southern region. The demonstration highlighted the public’s desire to reject division and integrate into a unified Syria following years of semi-autonomy under the now-deposed Assad regime.
Protesters chanted slogans against “partisan and social components” that advocate for self-rule and raised banners affirming their commitment to state institutions and the administrative process led by STG representatives. Demonstrators expressed concerns over what they described as interference from influential parties attempting to influence governance in the province.
Mustafa Bakour, the delegate overseeing Suwayda’s affairs under the transitional administration, thanked the demonstrators for their support, calling them “the real support for the revolution and change.” He assured residents that the STG is prioritizing service and security improvements in the governorate, though he acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding after years of neglect under the previous regime.
“The former regime destroyed the infrastructure in the governorate over the past years, and this requires a lot of effort and time to recover so that the citizens can feel the difference between the two eras,” Bakour said.
Calls for Unity & Institutional Reform
During the protest, lawyer Nidal Ghazaleh addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of national unity and the role of the STG in restoring governance in Suwayda.
“The popular revolutionary movement confirms the activation of the state’s role in all aspects of economic, social, and political life,” Ghazaleh said. “This movement supports everything that contributes to building a unified Syria with sovereignty over all Syrian lands.”
Ghazaleh also praised Bakour’s efforts in managing the administrative transition and addressing challenges such as employee dismissals and financial aid for public services. However, he warned of attempts by certain factions to obstruct the envoy’s work and distort the movement’s goals.
In response to criticisms from opposition groups, a local activist accused of interfering with the administration defended their actions, saying they aimed to prevent the reappointment of corrupt officials from the previous regime. “We will continue to monitor public institutions and newly appointed administrations to fight corruption,” he said.
Concerns Over Retiree Benefits
As part of ongoing challenges in the transition process, dozens of military and police retirees gathered in the governorate building to protest the suspension of retirement salaries. A widow receiving her deceased husband’s pension urged authorities to reconsider their decision, emphasizing that residents look to the STG for “security, safety, and a decent life.”
“What has been achieved in liberating Syria is a dream for every honorable Syrian,” she said in a message to Suwayda’s security chief. “But the decisions regarding retirees’ salaries have spoiled our joy and disappointed us.”
Police Settlement Process Begins
In an effort to enhance security and reintegrate former regime personnel, the Suwayda police command announced the launch of a settlement process targeting approximately 2,200 Ministry of Interior personnel and officers who had been deployed in other provinces.
Brigadier General Talal Al-Aysami, the newly appointed police commander, confirmed that the process would begin Monday, with 150 personnel processed daily to avoid congestion. The settlement involves the handover of weapons and official police credentials, with names called via designated WhatsApp groups.
“The settlement process is taking place in coordination with the Syrian administration to ensure the smooth reintegration of personnel into the new government framework,” Al-Aysami stated.
The Command of Military Operations (CMO) has established settlement centers across Syria to facilitate the reintegration of former regime elements and ensure compliance with new government standards. Nationwide, over 34,000 former regime personnel have applied for settlements, with large numbers coming from Latakia, Tartous, and Hama provinces.
Authorities have warned that failure to settle or providing false information could result in prosecution, stressing the importance of transparency in the reintegration process.
Toward a Unified Syria
As Suwayda works to reintegrate into the national framework, efforts by the STG and local communities highlight a growing commitment to stability and reform. Residents remain hopeful that the transitional government’s efforts will pave the way for a unified, corruption-free Syria, ensuring long-awaited peace and prosperity for the province.
