A year after Assad's fall, Sharaa pledges to promote 'coexistence' and justice

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa pledged on Monday to uphold "coexistence" and justice in a speech marking the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, celebrated in the streets by tens of thousands of Syrians.

Fireworks, prayers, and flags filled the streets of Damascus, which, like those in other cities, were thronged with crowds waving Syrian flags.

"Today, at the dawn of freedom, we declare ... a definitive end to the era of despotism and tyranny, inaugurating a new, radiant dawn founded on justice, compassion and coexistence," said Sharaa, a former jihadist, in a speech before an audience of officials.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the principle of transitional justice to ensure that all those who violated the law and committed crimes against the Syrian people are held accountable," he added.

The ongoing transition in this multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, emerging from 14 years of civil war, has been marked by bloody intercommunal violence in the regions inhabited by the Druze and Alawite minorities.

Tens of thousands of people also remain missing, with their families demanding justice for the atrocities committed under Assad's rule.

At the same time, Sharaa has restored his country's standing on the international stage, increasing his visits to regional and global capitals. Once in Washington's crosshairs, he was even warmly received by U.S. President Donald Trump in November.

'Miracle'

“What has happened in a year is nothing short of a miracle,” exclaims Iyad Burghol, a 44-year-old doctor.

After years of civil war and economic crisis, daily life remains difficult and power outages are frequent, but “the most important thing for me is civil peace and security,” he adds, capturing this moment of jubilation.

Ghaith Tarbin, a 50-year-old aid worker, hopes that the government will focus on domestic issues and “prioritize civil peace.”

On Nov. 27, 2024, a coalition of rebels led by radical Islamists launched a lightning offensive from northwestern Syria, before reaching Damascus on Dec. 8.

Their leader, who broke with his jihadist past before becoming interim president, still faces the challenges of restoring trust, unifying the country and guaranteeing security.

“The current phase requires all citizens to unite their efforts to build a strong Syria, consolidate its stability, and preserve its sovereignty,” the 43-year-old leader declared earlier, after morning prayers at the Umayyad Mosque.

Dressed in military uniform, as he had been when he entered Damascus a year earlier, he praised “the sacrifices and heroism of the fighters” who had overthrown the former president. Alongside several ministers, he then attended a military parade, overflown by helicopters.

On Sunday, the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria commended Damascus for the measures taken so far but deplored the fact that intercommunal violence had caused further population displacement and polarization of the country.

“The new government’s response to the serious violations committed since it came to power” will be “a crucial test of its commitment to justice and accountability,” Amnesty International said.

Triggered by the repression of a pro-democracy uprising in 2011, the civil war has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced nearly half the population. The World Bank estimates that reconstruction could cost up to $216 billion.

'Healing deep divisions'

This anniversary is “an opportunity to rebuild broken communities and heal deep divisions,” stressed U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.

The celebrations, however, are overshadowed by the boycott launched on Saturday by an Alawite spiritual leader, Ghazal Ghazal, to protest against a new “oppressive” regime. Since the ouster of Assad, himself an Alawite, this minority has been the target of attacks.

In response to this call, shops were closed on Monday in the coastal city of Jableh and its surroundings, an AFP correspondent reported.

The Kurdish administration, which controls a large part of northern and northeastern Syria, announced a ban on public gatherings and events on Monday “due to the current security situation.”

It had agreed in March to integrate its troops and institutions into the central government within a year, but negotiations are currently stalled.