SDC expresses solidarity with protests in southern Syria
Suwayda, Syria (North Press) – On Monday, Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) expressed its solidarity with the protesters in Suwayda and Daraa governorates in southern Syria.
Recently, protests broke out in southern Syria and turned into civil disobedience and strikes, condemning the deteriorating economic situation and government decisions contributing to the decline in living conditions.
Riyad Dirar, co-chair of the SDC, expressed that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stand in support of the popular movement and the people’s demands for their rights that have been unjustly taken away. They advocate for peaceful change and emphasize the necessity of putting an end to the “oppressive authoritarian regime”. The SDC aims to establish a viable alternative to the current “regime”.
Dirar informed North Press that the SDC maintains direct communication with the leadership of the popular movement in southern Syria. “We support for their stances and actively encourage them to develop an organizational project that presents an alternative. This alternative entails the formation of capable popular committees that can effectively manage the region while safeguarding the interests of the people and preventing any adverse consequences,” he added.
Dirar anticipates that the movement will broaden its scope and extend beyond the south, eventually encompassing all of Syria. This projection arises from the absence of effective solutions to address the escalating crisis. The widespread discontent and grievances are likely to resonate with people across the country, leading to a potential expansion of the movement throughout Syria.
He highlighted the presence of “gangs that have infiltrated the social structure, plundering the nation’s wealth, and depleting its resources.” He attributed responsibility for this situation to the Syrian government.
Dirar appealed to the protesters in southern Syria, urging them not to be content with merely raising slogans and calling for the overthrow of the “regime”. Instead, he encouraged them to actively organize society and work towards establishing an alternative to the current ruling system, which is anticipated to collapse. He emphasized the importance of forming competent popular committees that can effectively manage existing institutions and ensure their continuity in the transition towards a new system of governance.
The co-chair urged the leaders of the protests to prioritize the safety and protection of the movement. They also encouraged them to establish communication channels with areas in Syria that are not under the control of the “regime.” Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of forging stable partnerships and collaborations with northeastern Syria, where there exists an administration capable of effectively engaging with the international community to support the popular movement in the south.