The Kurdish community in Syria, which represents the second largest ethnic group in the country, is facing a crucial phase characterized by dialogues between the SDF and the government of Damascus. These developments are accompanied by persistent military and political tensions that threaten regional stability.
Agreements and dialogues between the SDF and the Syrian government
On March 10, 2025, the Syrian government signed a historic agreement with the SDF to integrate the latter into Syrian state institutions. The agreement, signed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, provides for the integration of all civilian and military institutions affiliated with the Kurdish Autonomous Administration into the framework of the Syrian state. Salih Muslim, spokesperson for the Democratic Union Party (PYD), commented positively on the agreement, saying that if the articles are implemented correctly, a new Syria with a democratic structure can be built. The agreement establishes key principles such as the recognition of the rights of all Syrians to representation and participation in the political process, regardless of their religious and ethnic origins. The Kurdish community will be recognized as an integral part of the Syrian state, with guarantees on constitutional rights and citizenship. It provides for a ceasefire throughout Syria and the integration of institutions in the northeast of the country into the state administration, including border crossings, airports and oil and gas fields.
The agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government includes eight key points:
- Guarantee the rights of all Syrians to representation and participation in the political process and state institutions, regardless of their religious and ethnic origins.
- Recognize the Kurdish community as an integral part of the Syrian state, with guarantees on constitutional rights and citizenship.
- Establish a ceasefire throughout Syria.
- Integrate all civil and military institutions in northeast Syria into the state administration, including border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields.
- Ensure the return of all displaced Syrians to their cities and villages, ensuring their protection by the Syrian state.
- Support the Syrian state in its efforts to combat the remnants of the Assad regime and all threats to its security and unity.
- Reject calls for division, hate speech, and attempts to sow discord among all components of Syrian society.
The Kurdish National Council expressed the need to amend some clauses of the recently issued Constitutional Declaration, criticizing in particular the lack of representation for the Kurdish component. On March 23, 2025, the legal body of the Council announced its vision for the constitutional declaration, stressing the importance of drafting a document that guarantees the rights of all components of the Syrian people without discrimination. Furthermore, the Kurdish National Council stated on March 28 that it would not attend the ceremony announcing the new Syrian government, despite having received an official invitation. This decision was motivated by the lack of consultation and communication from the new administration regarding the formation of the government and the recognition of Kurdish rights. Faisal Youssef, spokesperson of the Council, stressed that Kurds are essential to Syria and that unjust policies towards them undermine the basis for building a representative government.
The actual turning point occurred after the formation of the new Syrian government on March 30, 2025, when important agreements were reached at the local level, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). In particular, a preliminary agreement between the new Syrian administration and the SDF provides for the restructuring of the Asayish internal security forces in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo, which will be reorganized as public security forces under the autonomous administration. The third phase of the agreement between the Syrian state and the SDF militias begins on Thursday, April 10, with the opening of the closed roads leading to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo. The third group of Kurdish military forces has withdrawn from the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo city, in accordance with the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the new administration in Damascus. They are moving towards the areas east of the Euphrates River, under the supervision of the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
Another key point concerns the release of prisoners. According to the agreement, 170 SDF prisoners will be released, along with some bodies of martyrs. In return, about 400 detainees and bodies of the Public Security Department and factions will be handled under US supervision until the official announcement. SOHR also reported that Afrin residents are seeking guarantees for their return, which include the removal of the national army factions and the establishment of public security, as they do not trust the national army. In this regard, the Aleppo Media Directorate clarified that the exchange of detainees between the Aleppo Security Directorate and the SDF will continue as scheduled, in accordance with the agreement in force.
Another significant development concerns the Tishrin Dam. It is reported that on April 10, the Autonomous Administration and the government of Damascus reached an understanding on a joint mechanism for the management of the dam. The Autonomous Administration’s proposal was approved, allowing it to directly supervise the installation of the dam and carry out restoration and repair works in coordination with specialized international entities, in order to ensure its sustainability and the continuation of its essential services. It was also agreed to keep the dam away from combat operations and to form joint protection teams on both sides to ensure its safety. In parallel, efforts are underway to unify the Kurdish parties in northeast Syria, with the aim of announcing a document of “unity and understanding” during the Newroz holiday. Ilaam Ahmed, co-chair of the Autonomous Administration’s Department of Foreign Relations, welcomed the agreement, seeing it as a step towards a decentralized Syria.
In conclusion, the situation in Syria remains complex and evolving, with a number of challenges and opportunities. The integration of the SDF into the new Syrian army, local arrangements for resource management and the exchange of prisoners represent significant steps towards greater stability. However, regional dynamics, internal political tensions and the need to guarantee the rights of all components of Syrian society will require continued commitment and a shared vision.
Maria Elisabetta Papa
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