The people of Suwayda, Syria protest for freedom and democracy in the city center. —Courtesy of Suwayda 24
March 2024 marked thirteen years since the conflict in Syria began. In 2011, Syrian civilians staged mass demonstrations against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The Assad regime responded brutally, killing hundreds of protesters. In the conflict that followed, the regime and its allies have killed hundreds of thousands, detained tens of thousands, and displaced millions. In an April 2024 report, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic affirmed evidence of war crimes and “continuing patterns of crimes against humanity” in the Assad regime’s actions. The underlying grievances that drove protesters to the streets in 2011 have not been addressed. Civilians are again speaking out, even in the face of sustained attacks from a government that violently suppresses criticism.
In August 2023, large-scale, peaceful protests began in al-Karama (Dignity) Square in the southern city of Suwayda. The Suwayda governorate, a geographically isolated region, lacks many essential services. Residents have limited access to water and internet services, and electricity is available for only one hour per day. Deteriorating economic conditions and rising inflation prompted thousands to gather daily in al-Karama Square. A year later, demonstrators continue to meet in the Square every Friday, determined to maintain the movement. People are protesting economic conditions as well as poor governance. The slogans chanted in the Square echo those of 2011, calling for freedom, sovereignty, and the implementation of the 2015 UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a Syrian-led political transition designed to establish “credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance.” Civil society leaders report that the protesters and their demands are widely supported within Suwayda, and several communities throughout Syria have held their own demonstrations in solidarity.
Broad Participation in Protests
People from diverse communities have joined the protests. Women play a significant role in sustaining the movement, organizing activities and attending marches. During protests, al-Karama Square is peppered with signs celebrating women’s contributions to the movement. In addition, teachers, engineers, lawyers, intellectuals, and healthcare professionals have reportedly joined protests.
The Druze religious community plays a prominent role in protests. A minority elsewhere in Syria, the Druze community makes up an estimated ninety-one percent of the population in the Suwayda governorate. Motivated by the lack of a political solution to the conflict, economic deterioration, and the spread of illicit drugs by the Assad regime and its allies, Druze religious leaders have exercised their authority to support protests, encourage participation, and explicitly champion the protesters’ demands. The active involvement of religious leaders has bolstered and energized the movement. President Assad, whose family originates from the minority Alawite community, has long presented himself as a protector of minority populations. The outbreak of protests in Suwayda, a predominately Druze region, and the prominent involvement of Druze leadership undermine this narrative.
Regime Response and Risks to Civilians
The Assad regime has attempted to divide and minimize the movement, reporting in the media that fuel and food levels in the region are normal, protests are small, and painting demonstrations as part of a Druze separatist movement. Instances of violence towards protesters have occurred, and one man was killed in February 2024 when regime security forces fired into a crowd of protesters near a government building.
So far, there has been no large-scale, violent crackdown on protesters—but there are worrying signs that deserve the international community’s attention.
First, in April, the Assad regime sent military reinforcements to Suwayda after local groups kidnapped government officials and demanded the release of a university student arrested for protesting. The student and government officials were subsequently released. Following the kidnappings, vehicles equipped with mounted weapons were sent to the region, and military forces now encircle Suwayda city. Some see these movements as an attempt to intimidate protesters and discourage participation. The presence of additional security forces in the region could indicate that the regime is preparing to tighten security to suppress protests, which may increase the risk of mass atrocities against civilians in Suwayda.
Second, in May, President Assad appointed a former Intelligence Officer, General Akram Ali Mohammed, as governor of Suwayda. In 2011, General Mohammed led the State Security branch in Aleppo, where he was allegedly involved in arrests and the use of deadly force against protesters. His new appointment could signal a shift towards violent suppression of protests.
Research suggests that perpetrators resort to mass atrocity after less violent methods have failed to achieve their goals. The Suwayda movement’s persistence, despite intensifying pressure, and the regime’s recent movements could indicate that Syrian security forces are preparing to change their approach. States and civil society should monitor the activities of the new governor and the newly arrived security forces for the risk of large-scale violence against civilians.
How the International Community Can Respond
Support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254: Suwayda protesters are calling for a political transition. Without a political transition and leadership that prioritizes the needs of the Syrian people, the situation will remain dangerous for civilians. States and civil society can support these goals by pushing for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including a national ceasefire, political transition process, and free and fair elections, and by ensuring the resources and support necessary to move the process forward are available.
Challenge normalization: The Assad regime continues to violate international law. While some world leaders have moved towards normalizing relations with the Assad regime, civilians in Syria face persistent hardship. States should resist any efforts to normalize relations with the Assad regime absent a political transition that respects the will of the Syrian people.
Meet humanitarian needs: Until there is a political transition that allows for a government to truly address the needs of the Syrian people, the international community should explore other options to alleviate suffering. Suwayda is economically devastated, lacks basic services, and is geographically isolated. Jordan should allow aid to cross its border regularly to address the needs in Suwayda.
Conclusion
The Suwayda protests underscore the need for a political solution in Syria. The government has failed to produce peace or stability for the Syrian people. Rampant corruption and failed economic policies have left many in Syria in desperate conditio
ns, without access to basic services. The persistent protests in Suwayda demonstrate that the regime's repression has not dampened the Syrian people's desire for freedom, emphasizing the need for a political transition to non-sectarian governance.
Denise-Nicole Stone is the policy assistant with the Simon-Skjodt Center.