The Democratic Union Party (PYD) has elected Perwin Yûsif and Xerîb Hiso as its new co-chairs at the party’s 10th Congress, held from 21 to 23 September in the city of Al Hasakah (Hesekê), northern Syria. The congress marked a significant moment for the party, which continues to play a major role in the governance of Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria.
The PYD is a key Kurdish political group advocating for Kurdish self-governance within a decentralised Syria. It has been central to the administration of autonomous Kurdish regions, often referred to as Rojava. The party follows the political ideas of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), who is currently imprisoned in Turkey.
The leadership change comes as the PYD reaffirms its dedication to defending Kurdish-held territories from Turkish occupation and strengthening Kurdish political unity, while also building alliances with regional and international groups. The congress was attended by 700 delegates from Syria and abroad, including representatives from political parties, civil society, and the military.
At the 10th Congress, PYD leaders emphasised that democratic self-administration is key to resolving the Syrian conflict. Co-chair Salih Muslim explained that the party’s commitment to Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy of democratic self-governance and the brotherhood of peoples is essential to overcoming regional tensions. Muslim also stressed the importance of Kurdish unity and liberating occupied territories, stating that no solution can be achieved without the unity of Syria’s lands.
In her first speech as co-chair, Perwin Yûsif emphasised the importance of expanding the PYD’s network of allies. “We have many alliances within Syria and beyond, and we aim to make these relationships stronger and permanent,” Yûsif said on Thursday. These alliances, she added, are essential for resolving the ongoing conflict in Syria and ensuring the future of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration that governs northern and eastern Syria.
Commitment to Kurdish Unity and Resistance
Salih Muslim, the outgoing co-chair, also addressed the congress, underlining the party’s continued commitment to the political ideas of Abdullah Öcalan. “Our struggle for freedom continues,” Muslim said, adding that the PYD has played a key role in the Syrian conflict since its foundation in 2003.
Muslim highlighted the ongoing Turkish military occupation of Kurdish-majority areas in northern Syria, such as Afrin (Efrîn), Tell Abyad (Girê Spî) and Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê), as a critical issue for the PYD. “There can be no political solution in Syria without the liberation of our lands and the unity of the country,” he said.
Outgoing co-chair Asya Abdullah also spoke, praising the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been instrumental in protecting Kurdish regions from threats by Turkish forces and other groups. “The SDF and YPJ/YPG have made great sacrifices, and the gains they have achieved must be defended,” Abdullah said.
A Broader Regional Vision
Perwin Yûsif also outlined the PYD’s broader strategy, focusing on promoting Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas of democratic self-governance and social justice. “We are working to spread Leader Öcalan’s ideas, not only in northern Syria but across the region,” Yûsif said. She called for more efforts to secure Öcalan’s release, stating that his physical freedom is a central goal for the party and Kurdish movements worldwide.
Yûsif also stressed the need to strengthen local economies and build self-defense mechanisms to protect Kurdish regions from external threats.
Challenges Ahead
While the PYD’s internal leadership changes reflect its readiness to face the challenges ahead, the party continues to grapple with the Turkish military presence in northern Syria. The congress reaffirmed the PYD’s commitment to defending Kurdish-held areas and securing the rights of the Kurdish people in a decentralised, democratic Syria.
The congress concluded with the election of new members to the PYD’s General Assembly and the endorsement of a revised political programme that focuses on Kurdish unity, the liberation of occupied territories, and the expansion of international partnerships.