On March 29, 2025, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new government largely comprised of allies and marked by the inclusion of one female minister. This establishment follows the regime change initiated by Assad’s ousting and aims to restore unity. Despite this advance, concerns persist about the concentration of power and the adequate representation of minority rights within the new government.
On March 29, 2025, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government, predominantly consisting of his close allies and featuring one female minister, marking a significant change from the previous caretaker authorities that followed the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The announcement, postponed from earlier in the month, aligns with international expectations for an inclusive transition after recent sectarian conflict, aiming to restore unity and rebuild Syria’s institutions post-conflict.
Key positions remained occupied by trusted associates of President Sharaa, including Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, with Anas Khattab taking on the role of interior minister. Notably, Hind Kabawat, a veteran opposition figure and member of the Christian minority, was appointed as the first female social affairs and labour minister under Sharaa’s leadership.
Additionally, Raed al-Saleh, leader of the White Helmets, was designated as the minister for emergency situations and disasters. The new Islamist-led authorities have pledged to ensure the protection of minorities, especially following recent violent confrontations between Assad’s Alawite community and Sunni rebel-linked militias that resulted in civilian casualties.
In December 2024, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir was established to manage governance until this new cabinet was formed. Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the helm of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that played a decisive role in Assad’s ousting, was appointed interim president in late January. This month also saw Sharaa enact a constitutional declaration that outlines a five-year transitional period, despite concerns from experts and rights organizations regarding its concentration of power and insufficient protections for minority rights.
The recent formation of a new transitional government in Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment following the displacement of Bashar al-Assad. While the inclusion of a female minister and the promise to protect minority groups are positive developments, there remain critical concerns regarding the concentration of authority and the adequacy of minority protections in the new governance framework. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments as Syria navigates its transitional period.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
