Syrian rebels suspend constitution to oversee power shift

The Syrian rebels, now in control of the country, have decided to suspend the constitution and parliamentary activities for a period of three months to oversee the transition of power. This update was provided by the AFP agency, citing Obaid Arnaut, the spokesperson for the new cabinet appointed by the authorities in Damascus.

Two committees—a judicial and a human rights committee—will be set up to review and amend the constitution, explained Arnaut. The rebels, led by Abu Muhamad al-Jolani, the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), assumed control in Damascus on 8th December and appointed Mohamed al-Bashir as prime minister of the interim government. His term is set to last until 1st March 2025.

Arnaut reported that a meeting occurred on Tuesday between ministers of the new government and former department heads from Bashar al-Assad’s era. The aim of these discussions was to iron out the details concerning the transfer of power. A representative of the interim government assured that its responsibility is to establish a rule of law after more than half a century of the Assad family's rule.

He added that "all those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be judged in accordance with the law". When asked about the new government's stance on issues of individual freedom and religion, he emphasised that "we respect religious and cultural diversity in Syria."

In Syria, the majority are Sunnis who are currently in power, causing worry among members of the Alawite minority, to which the Assad clan belonged. From the start of their offensive, the rebels have declared their intention to build institutions and a nation where Syrians of all faiths can live peacefully. However, experts urge caution, highlighting the fundamentalist roots of the HTS organisation and its fighters.