Suweida prepares national dialogue to reset Syrian government ties

The southern Syrian province of Suweida is preparing to host a national dialogue conference aimed at uniting local political, religious and social factions around a common position in relation to Damascus, following years of political gridlock, deteriorating services and mounting security concerns.

The planned conference follows a meeting in late May between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and a delegation of Suweida figures, including prominent politicians, a Christian bishop, tribal leaders and the imam of Shahba mosque.

According to sources within the delegation, the meeting was the result of a proposal initiated by a Syrian expatriate opposed to the Assad regime, and subsequently endorsed by various local groups.

Dr Nidal Subh, a member of the delegation, told The New Arab's Arabic sister outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that discussions with the president focused on "fundamental issues such as the rule of law as a cornerstone for any stability" and the need to establish "a true civic state that guarantees freedoms and public rights for all Syrians without discrimination".

Subh emphasised demands including the criminalisation of hate speech and sectarian incitement, protection for Suweida's students in university cities, and a return to effective judicial and security institutions. "The delegation frankly discussed all the anxieties troubling Suwayda and the deep fears felt by the people of the province," he said.

Despite what was described as a "positive response" from the presidency, with delegation members reporting their concerns were met with "attentive ears", there has been little sign of practical follow-through.

In subsequent statements, Sharaa spoke of a "state of deadlock" in Suweida and warned that the province risked "missing out on major opportunities for investment and reconstruction" due to its reluctance to embrace central authority.

Another delegation member, Dr Jamal al-Shoufi, described the visit as driven by “a sense of looming danger” due to rising sectarian incitement, which he said had "already resulted in innocent casualties and continues to poison the public atmosphere".

He stressed that "protecting people and their rights" must be prioritised, adding, "This protection can only be achieved by activating the judicial police, courts, and a fair judiciary."

In late April, sectarian tensions erupted following the circulation of a fabricated audio clip falsely attributed to Druze cleric Sheikh Marwan Kiwan, which allegedly contained insults against the Prophet Muhammad.

That night, protests and retaliatory attacks spread across Druze-majority areas—most notably Jaramana, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and parts of Suweida - resulting in at least ten Druze civilians killed, mortar shelling of villages, and ambushes targeting reinforcements on the Damascus-Suweida road

Al-Shoufi also reiterated calls for the implementation of a joint statement issued on 1 May by Suweida's civic groups, demanding local control of judicial enforcement. He criticised what he called "government negligence" in failing to equip security institutions. "The delays are worsening the province’s crises," he said.

The fate of former governor Mustafa al-Bakkour, who appeared as part of the delegation but declined to confirm whether he would return to office, has also fuelled speculation.

Political activist Nazem Salloum described al-Bakkour and the absent General Security chief Ahmad al-Dalati as "bargaining chips" used by Damascus to extract local concessions, warning this approach may "have negative repercussions" and provoke public opposition to the state.

Activist Ma'n Abu al-Hassan called for urgent dialogue and grassroots involvement to "preserve shared destiny and territorial unity", warning that unless demands for justice, security and services are met, Suweida may slide further into crisis.