The Syrian government and Suwayda notables have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at regulating administrative and security affairs in the province. However, sources say the document is not a final agreement and key issues remain unresolved.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed
On Wednesday, representatives from the Suwayda community and the Syrian administration met at the residence of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the spiritual leader of the Druze, alongside Suwayda Governor Dr. Mustafa al-Bakour and others who participated in the National Dialogue Conference in Damascus.
The meeting concluded with a memorandum of understanding that outlined several provisions. Among them, the Syrian government pledged to activate the judicial police, strengthen the security sector under the Ministry of Interior, and regulate the status of defected officers and armed factions under the Ministry of Defense.
The agreement also includes immediate payment of overdue salaries, a review of dismissed employees’ cases, financial and administrative reforms for government institutions, and the conversion of the former Baath Party headquarters into Suwayda’s main university campus. A follow-up committee was formed to oversee implementation, with ongoing consultations planned to address unresolved issues.
A Step Forward, but Not a Final Deal
Despite the formal signing, Suwayda 24 quoted a source from the governorate’s spiritual leadership as saying the memorandum is a list of demands rather than a binding agreement. The source noted that while the state’s envoy pledged to implement the terms, several issues remain under negotiation, including the future of local armed factions and the extent of local governance powers.
Sheikh al-Hajri has pushed for a decentralized system that grants Suwayda broad administrative authority, arguing that such a move is necessary to prevent further division in Syria. However, Damascus has resisted demands that would limit its control over the province.
Security and Political Uncertainty
Security remains a major concern. Protests erupted in Suwayda throughout 2023, particularly following the fall of the Assad regime in December. The province has seen increased instability, with armed groups operating outside state control. A key sticking point in negotiations is Suwayda’s insistence that security forces be composed exclusively of local personnel, rejecting deployments from other regions.
Additionally, discussions continue over Suwayda’s governance. While Dr. Bakour currently serves as governor, disagreements persist over whether his successor should be a local appointee. The ongoing dispute has fueled tensions, with many residents skeptical of Damascus’ willingness to fulfill its promises.
For now, the memorandum represents progress but falls short of a definitive resolution. Talks between Suwayda leaders and the Syrian administration will continue as both sides attempt to navigate a fragile political landscape.
