The new constitutional declaration emphasizes the need for justice but faces criticism from various factions in the country.
Syria's Interim President Signs New Constitution Amidst Ongoing Challenges
Syria's Interim President Signs New Constitution Amidst Ongoing Challenges
Ahmed al-Sharaa aims for a transitional government to guide Syria towards a more inclusive future.
In a significant political move, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has enacted a constitutional declaration designed to govern the country during a five-year transitional phase, a mere three months following the Islamist-led ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The declaration articulates Islam as the religion of the president and positions Islamic jurisprudence as the primary legislative source, superseding prior constitutional provisions.
Sharaa expressed hopes that this step marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syria, where justice replaces decades of oppression. "We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice," he stated, reflecting a vision of transformation. This initiative has received cautious approval from UN special envoy Geir Pedersen, who described it as a potential remedy for Syria’s legal void.
However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria has voiced strong opposition, asserting that the declaration fails to recognize the ethnic and cultural diversity of the populace. This discord points to the continuing fractures within Syria, where community tensions remain high after years of conflict.
In a sequence of reforms, Sharaa was appointed by rebel military commanders earlier this year, invalidating the Assad-era constitution and dissolving remnants of the previous regime's power structures. Last week, he unveiled the constitutional declaration through a newly-formed committee aimed at establishing fairness and separation of powers, a stark contrast to Assad’s long-standing governance.
Legal scholar Abdul Hamid al-Awak, part of the drafting committee, emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment where rights and freedoms are prioritized. He asserted that the framework delineates stringent checks on presidential power while introducing a new People's Assembly, responsible for legislation with a majority of members accepted through presidential appointment.
Despite these efforts, Sharaa's leadership is under immense scrutiny, particularly in light of recent violent incidents that have escalated sectarian tensions. Allegations of revenge killings by Sharaa's loyalists against the Alawite community have drawn condemnation, with monitoring organizations reporting considerable civilian casualties amidst these clashes.
In response, Sharaa announced the formation of a committee tasked with fostering civil peace, though many communities remain apprehensive given his previous ties to controversial groups. UN Secretary General António Guterres underlined the critical need for accountability and the urgent necessity of a unified approach in building a sustainable future for all Syrians. He concluded with a solemn reminder that Syria’s hope for brighter days is precariously balanced on the actions of its leaders in the upcoming transitional period.
Sharaa expressed hopes that this step marks the beginning of a new chapter for Syria, where justice replaces decades of oppression. "We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice," he stated, reflecting a vision of transformation. This initiative has received cautious approval from UN special envoy Geir Pedersen, who described it as a potential remedy for Syria’s legal void.
However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria has voiced strong opposition, asserting that the declaration fails to recognize the ethnic and cultural diversity of the populace. This discord points to the continuing fractures within Syria, where community tensions remain high after years of conflict.
In a sequence of reforms, Sharaa was appointed by rebel military commanders earlier this year, invalidating the Assad-era constitution and dissolving remnants of the previous regime's power structures. Last week, he unveiled the constitutional declaration through a newly-formed committee aimed at establishing fairness and separation of powers, a stark contrast to Assad’s long-standing governance.
Legal scholar Abdul Hamid al-Awak, part of the drafting committee, emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment where rights and freedoms are prioritized. He asserted that the framework delineates stringent checks on presidential power while introducing a new People's Assembly, responsible for legislation with a majority of members accepted through presidential appointment.
Despite these efforts, Sharaa's leadership is under immense scrutiny, particularly in light of recent violent incidents that have escalated sectarian tensions. Allegations of revenge killings by Sharaa's loyalists against the Alawite community have drawn condemnation, with monitoring organizations reporting considerable civilian casualties amidst these clashes.
In response, Sharaa announced the formation of a committee tasked with fostering civil peace, though many communities remain apprehensive given his previous ties to controversial groups. UN Secretary General António Guterres underlined the critical need for accountability and the urgent necessity of a unified approach in building a sustainable future for all Syrians. He concluded with a solemn reminder that Syria’s hope for brighter days is precariously balanced on the actions of its leaders in the upcoming transitional period.
