Syria’s Interim Government Restructured Amidst Post-Assad Transition

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government dominated by allies, including a historic appointment of the first woman minister. This government aims to facilitate national rebuilding after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad amidst calls for inclusivity. However, concerns regarding the concentration of power and minority protections persist.

On March 29, 2025, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government, primarily consisting of his close allies. This new cabinet, replacing caretaker authorities established after the removal of Bashar al-Assad, notably includes one woman and aims to respond to international demands for an inclusive transition amidst recent sectarian violence in the country. The primary goal of this new leadership is to unite and rebuild Syria following the prolonged civil war that ended with Assad’s ousting in December 2022.

Key positions in the government have been retained by Sharaa’s close associates, including Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra. Anas Khattab has been appointed as the new interior minister, while Hind Kabawat, a prominent opposition leader and member of Syria’s Christian minority, has made history as the first appointed woman minister, overseeing social affairs and labor. Raed al-Saleh, known as the leader of the White Helmets, has been designated as the minister for emergency situations and disasters.

The current Islamic-led authorities have pledged to protect minority communities following violent confrontations earlier this month between Assad’s Alawite faction and militias allied with the Sunni rebels responsible for his removal, which resulted in civilian casualties. Earlier, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir was established in December 2022 to manage the transition while awaiting the formation of this new cabinet, with the original announcement slated for March 1.

In late January 2025, Sharaa, who is also the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was appointed as interim president. Following this, he enacted a constitutional declaration that outlines the framework for Syria’s transition, which is intended to last five years. Nevertheless, several experts and human rights organizations have voiced concerns over the concentration of power in Sharaa’s presidency and the insufficient protections for minority groups within the newly formed government.

The formation of Syria’s new transitional government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a significant shift following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The cabinet comprises largely of Sharaa’s allies and includes the first woman in a ministerial position. Despite efforts to foster inclusivity and protect minority rights, apprehensive voices reflect concerns over the consolidation of power within Sharaa’s administration and the overall adequacy of minority protections during this tumultuous time in Syrian history.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com