In an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of Foreign Relations for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), said that negotiations on the return of displaced people to Afrin (Efrîn) are progressing. Discussions between coalition forces, the United States and Turkey are ongoing, with a focus on establishing a new governance system in Afrin. She noted that this process will be gradual.
peaking to VOA reporter Zana Omar, Ahmed highlighted a significant change – Arab settlers who were relocated to Afrin after Turkey’s 2018 invasion are now leaving in large numbers. She described this development as an opportunity to facilitate the return of displaced Kurds, provided the right conditions are in place. This, she stressed, would require coordinated discussions with the Damascus government, coalition forces and the US.
Ahmed also addressed the situation in Ras al-Ayn (Serekaniyê), confirming that the return of refugees remains a priority, but will be done in a phased manner. She acknowledged that the changing dynamics in Bakur (Northern Kurdistan, southeastern part of Turkey) could pose challenges, making the way forward complex and politically sensitive.
In her wider analysis, Ahmed highlighted the significance of Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace in Turkey, stating that it will inevitably have an impact on Syria and the wider north-eastern region. She noted that Turkey has long justified its military operations in Syria by citing the presence of the PKK, using this as a pretext to target the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the region’s identity. Now that the PKK is in the process of disbanding, this justification is losing credibility. She stressed that Turkey must respond by taking concrete steps towards a political solution.
Commenting on Öcalan’s peace initiative, Ahmed said:
“Democratisation and the solution of the Kurdish question in Syria must be approached within the framework of a pluralistic Syria”.
She stressed the need for Öcalan to be involved in this process and for meaningful opportunities for dialogue to be created. Otherwise, she warned, unresolved tensions could lead to further instability.
On international engagement, Ahmed noted that Western countries have generally responded positively to discussions on democratisation and the Kurdish issue. She expressed hope that international organisations would continue to push for a solution.
Finally, she reiterated the importance of inclusive political participation in Syria, stating: “Syria must be rebuilt with the participation of all segments of society. The exclusion of certain groups in favour of those with particular political affiliations will only lead to further instability in the long term”.
