Tribal leaders in Syria’s al-Hasakah (Hesekê) ‘extended a hand for peace’ and demanded an end to foreign occupation, during a major forum on Saturday focused on national dialogue and decentralisation.
Tribal leaders and representatives from diverse communities across Syria convened at a forum in al-Hasakah to discuss the future of the country amid ongoing conflict. The forum, organised by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), had the theme “For a Unified and Decentralised Syria, Dialogue, Safety, Construction”.
The event culminated in a 10-point resolution read by Sheikh Mani Deham el-Hadi of the Shammar tribe. The resolution emphasised the necessity of peace and dialogue to resolve Syria’s issues and called for the decentralisation of governance as a pathway to national unity.
Key points from the resolution included a firm stance against terrorism and ethnic, religious or gender-based discrimination. The leaders expressed a commitment to democratic values, human rights and the freedom of Syrian citizens, emphasising the need for a unified Syria encompassing all its diverse communities.
The forum also addressed the plight of displaced Syrians, with specific calls for their safe and dignified return to areas such as Afrin (Efrîn), Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê) and Tell Abyad (Girê Spî), all currently under Turkish occupation. The resolution condemned all forms of extremism and pledged to fight against forces that threaten Syria’s future.
In addition to local commitments, the tribal leaders called upon Arab countries and international allies to support Syria in its path to recovery and peace. They highlighted the vital role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Asayiş internal security forces in maintaining regional stability and combating the remnants of ISIS.
The gathering of approximately 5,000 participants from all Syrian tribes, along with Christian figures and tribal sheikhs, marked a significant step towards fostering a dialogue-driven approach to Syria’s complex issues, aiming to pave the way for a peaceful, prosperous and decentralised nation.
