Young man inspires peaceful protests in Syria’s Suwayda
The activist Omran chants at Suwayda protests, southern Syria - North Press
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Omran continues to chant and sing at al-Karamah Square in the city of Suwayda, southern Syria, fuelling the ongoing protests in the city against the Syrian government.
Omran al-Shoufi, 23, a resident of Suwayda, is one of the driving forces behind the protests in Suwayda. He is known for his daily participation in the protests, and is considered a prominent anti-government figure.
He did not complete his studies and turned to freelance work. He participated in previous protests and has joined the recent ongoing movement since its inception.
“My participation in the 2023 uprising was not my first involvement in peaceful movements against [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad regime. I’ve been participating since 2020 within the ‘We Want to Live’ Movement. We endured pursuit and attacks by security forces and al-Baath Party loyalists,” al-Shoufi told North Press.
“Today, we are participating in the current movement as if we are in a dream. Fear has disappeared,” he added.
Al-Shoufi has gained fame at the protests for his melodious voice and remarkable songs, many of which he composed himself, utilizing pre-existing melodies.
“People’s freedom chants give us a momentum. When people ask me why all this enthusiasm, I tell them that the regime has humiliated us for half a century, challenged our dreams, extinguished our hopes and made us live in fear all the times,” he said.
“But today, we are no longer afraid of the regime’s tools. After more than a month and a half of the movement, we shout loudly because I shout like any protester with strength and enthusiasm.”
The young man listens to songs, and when he finds a captivating melody, he swiftly crafts new lyrics to fit the same tune. He passionately performs these songs at al-Karamah Square during the protests, and he still has many unrevealed songs awaiting their moment.
He said they demand the implementation of UN Resolution 2254 and aim to topple the government.
Future of Movement
Al-Shoufi said that his participation in the public squares was a response to a national need. “I am not a politician or a leader. I will return to my work and normal life after the regime is overthrown, as this downfall is inevitable, just like every resident of Suwayda and all Syrians see it.”
The young man holds the belief that “al-Assad’s silence regarding the Suwayda movement serves as evidence of the government’s weakness and its incapacity to address this peaceful movement.”
Emphasizing to continue the movement, al-Shoufi said, “With our peaceful means, our non-violent and civilized protests, and with art, painting, poetry, and singing, we will overthrow the regime.”