Syria’s al-Sharaa declared as interim president

black suit

Ahmed al-Sharaa was declared Syria’s president for a transitional phase on January 29th, according to The Arab Weekly via Reuters.

The suspension of the Syrian constitution has also been announced and Sharaa has been granted authority to form a temporary legislative council.

Sharaa’s Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, led the campaign that toppled Assad. Military commanders who participated in the offensive convened, enabling these decisions to take form. Addressing the gathering, Sharaa emphasised that he feels a sense of urgency to fill a vacuum in government “in a legitimate and legal way.”

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining civil peace through transitional justice, preventing acts of revenge and creating economic infrastructure. He also emphasised the importance of rebuilding state institutions, particularly the military and security forces.

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Sharaa has pledged to carry out a political transition that includes a national conference, the formation of an inclusive government, and eventual elections. However, he said the process could take up to four years and did not provide details on the transition timeline.

According to the declaration, “Sharaa has assumed the presidency of the country in the transitional phase” and will “carry out the duties of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic, and represent it in international forums.”

The new legislative council will function until a new constitution is used. The parliament elected under Assad in 2024 has been officially dissolved.

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The announcements were made at the “Conference for Announcing the Victory of the Syrian Revolution,” which was attended by ministers from the interim government appointed by HTS last month.

The declaration reaffirmed previous measures, including the dissolution of Assad’s Baath Party and state security apparatus, as well as the integration of various rebel factions into the state.

Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, said the move had “formalised his status as the strongman ruler.” Gerges added: “My take is that HTS and Sharaa intend to consolidate single-party Islamist rule.”

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HTS originated from the Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Syrian civil war, until it severed its ties in 2016.

Qatar, a backer of the new administration, welcomed the developments, stating they would “boost consensus and unity among all its parties.”

Shortly after the announcements, apparent celebratory gunfire echoed through central Damascus.

The Arab Weekly via Reuters

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