In a significant step toward lasting peace, an agreement has been signed between Syrian interim president Ahmed Al Sharaa, and Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into the institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic, reaffirming Syria’s territorial unity and rejecting division.
The deal marks a major breakthrough that would bring most of Syria under the control of the government led by the group that led the ousting of dictator Bashar Assad in December. The deal to be implemented by the end of the year would bring all border crossings with Iraq and Türkiye in the northeast, airports and oil fields under the control of the central government.
The Syrian presidency published a statement on Monday signed by both parties which emphasised the unity of Syria, and stipulated that “all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria” be merged “into the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, the airport, and oil and gas fields”. It released images of Ahmed Al Sharaa shaking hands with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi following the signing ceremony of the agreement.
Details of Syria-SDF Agreement
- Guaranteeing the rights of all Syrians to representation and participation in the political process and all state institutions based on competence, regardless of their religious and ethnic backgrounds.
- The Kurdish community is an indigenous community in the Syrian state, and the Syrian state guarantees its right to citizenship and all its constitutional rights.
- Ceasefire across all Syrian territories
- Integrating all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, the airport, and oil and gas fields.
- Ensuring the return of all displaced Syrians to their towns and villages and ensuring their protection by the Syrian state.
- Supporting the Syrian state in its fight against the remnants of Assad and all threats to its security and unity.
- Rejecting calls for division, hate speech, and attempts to spread discord among all components of Syrian society.
- The Executive Committees are working and striving to implement the agreement no later than the end of this year.
The agreement marks the end of years of conflict and division, particularly in Kurdish-majority areas like Al-Hasaka, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Raqqa, which were previously under SDF control. Celebrations have erupted in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa, as communities rejoice over the Damascus-SDF integration deal. For the first time in decades, the people of Kurdish community feel a sense of unity and belonging, as the walls of division have finally crumbled. This agreement is not just a step toward peace but also a move that could bolster Syria’s chances of sanctions relief in the long term. By fostering unity and stability, it opens the door for reconstruction and economic recovery.
In his first official comment following the signing of the accord, Abdi said in a post on X that the deal represents a “real opportunity to build a new Syria.”
Qatar welcomes the agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into the institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic, considering it a key step toward civil peace, security, stability, and institutional governance.
Md Irshad Ayub is Founding English editor at millat times and Delhi-based freelance journalist.
