Tribe leader says Coalition meeting in Raqqa focused on political dialogue
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – A tribal figure revealed on Monday details of a recent meeting between the U.S.-led Global Coalition and tribal leaders in the city of Raqqa, northern Syria, firmly denying claims that discussions touched on handing the city over to the Syrian transitional government.
Mohammed Nour al-Dhib, leader of al-Bureij tribe, told North Press that the meeting, held on Sunday, focused primarily on the political situation and gathering the perspectives of civil society regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian transitional government.
He stressed that the meeting took place without the presence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or any of their military representatives.
According to al-Dhib, two separate meetings were convened, the first gathered sheikhs and tribal figures from Raqqa and Tabqa to discuss ways to strengthen integration and support negotiations between the AANES and the Syrian government. Participants emphasized that such talks must be held under international sponsorship and Coalition guarantees.
The second meeting brought together the advisory body, made up of seven components representing diverse sectors of Raqqa society, including tribal leaders, dignitaries, religious and political figures, civil society groups, intellectuals, technocrats, human rights activists, women, and members of the legislative, executive, and judicial councils.
Al-Dhib noted that participants insisted on the Global Coalition respecting the national principles, particularly the unity of Syrian territory, rejection of division or secession, and the adoption of administrative decentralization as the only viable solution to the Syrian crisis. They also called for continued international sponsorship in future negotiation rounds between the AANES and the government.
He concluded by dismissing reports suggesting the city might be handed over to the government as “completely false,” stressing that meetings with the Global Coalition remain within a civil and political framework, without any military role or actual transfer of authority.