MSDThe Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) is following with deep concern the dangerous security developments unfolding in Al-Suwayda Governorate. Armed clashes and acts of violence have impacted civilians. This marks an unprecedented escalation that threatens to lead Syria into further crises. This trajectory raises serious concerns about a potential internal conflict fueled by sectarian or regional tensions. This risk comes at a time when political deadlock persists, and a cohesive, inclusive national government is still absent.
What is happening in Al-Suwayda today is not an isolated incident. It is a direct manifestation of the broader collapse of the political and institutional structures in Syria. This collapse is the result of decades of exclusion, authoritarian rule, and the marginalization of key national components in Syria. It is also the result of the central authorities’ persistent failure to uphold their responsibilities in managing diversity and safeguarding civil peace.
The SDC affirms that these dangerous developments pose a direct threat to the principle of Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. They also violate the core of international humanitarian law and the fundamental rights of Syrian citizens to security and a dignified life. Moreover, they serve as a stark indicator of the fragility of the current situation. They highlight the urgent need for sustainable political solutions. These solutions must address the root causes of the conflict and prevent similar incidents of violence in other parts of the country.
In light of the above, and in fulfillment of our national and moral responsibility, the SDC emphasizes the following:
First: We condemn all forms of violence, armed clashes, and security chaos that threaten civil peace in Al-Suwayda and other regions of Syria. We stress the urgent need for an immediate halt to all hostilities, regardless of the parties involved. We also call for an independent and transparent investigation into the ongoing events. It is essential to ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable. This must be done without discrimination or bias.
Second: We urgently call for the launch of an inclusive national dialogue. This dialogue should culminate in a broad-based national conference that brings together all democratic national actors. The goal must be to shape a new Syrian political project grounded in transitional justice. This project should bring an end to authoritarianism. It must establish a democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic system. Such a system should guarantee genuine participation for all segments of Syrian society without exception.
Third: We warn of the grave danger of being drawn into internal conflicts driven by sectarian, regional, or communal divisions. Such conflicts pose an existential threat to the Syrian state and its diverse social fabric, and would have disastrous consequences for the future of coexistence and civil peace in the country.
Fourth: We call for an immediate end to all forms of hate speech and incitement. This includes both political and media-driven rhetoric. Such language plays a dangerous role in fueling discord and deepening divisions, and poses a direct threat to civil peace and coexistence. We affirm that rebuilding national trust begins with responsible discourse and public messaging that respects diversity, free from incitement or accusations of betrayal.
Fifth: We hold all political and military actors—locally, regionally, and internationally—accountable for their legal, political, and moral responsibilities regarding these events. We call for full respect of international law. We urge all parties to refrain from interventions that contribute to escalating the conflict or exploiting it to serve limited agendas.
Sixth: We reaffirm our unwavering position that any political solution in Syria must be entirely Syrian-led and nationally inclusive. It must be founded on dialogue, consensus, and mutual recognition—not on violence, exclusion, or reliance on external powers. Only such a process can lead to the establishment of a democratic and civil state built on equal citizenship and the rule of law. It must also respect national, cultural, and religious pluralism.
In conclusion, and at this critical juncture, we renew our call to all national forces to shoulder their responsibility in restoring trust and civil peace. We urge all actors to embrace reason and reject incitement and division. It is essential to work collectively toward an inclusive democratic national project. Such a project can lead Syria out of the crisis of war and collapse. It can also create new opportunities for freedom, justice, and lasting stability for its people.
July 22, 2025
Syrian Democratic Council
