Syria
Thousands protest for a decentralized Syria in Dijlah Park in Hasaka’s al-Malikiyah (Derik) town on September 17, 2025. Photo: ANHA
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Carrying banners reading “We are all Syrians” and “Towards a democratic, decentralized Syria,” thousands in the Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria (Rojava) rallied for decentralization on Wednesday, local media reported.
The demonstration in Dijlah Park in Hasaka’s al-Malikiyah (Derik) drew representatives from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), political parties, clans, social and service institutions expressing their stance on Syria's future.
"We, the Kurds, embody this ideology, through which we were at the forefront of those who led the revolution for the freedom of societies, believing that true change stems from the will and solidarity of the peoples," said Perwin Yousef, co-chair of the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD), according to Hawar News Agency (ANHA).
Yousef emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were founded on the region's sacrifices and represent local society. Their struggle will continue until a democratic, decentralized Syria is established that reflects all communities' will and honors revolutionary sacrifices, she said.
The SDF serves as Rojava's de facto army and the global coalition against the Islamic State's (ISIS) main partner on the ground.
Some demonstrators held banners saying "The SDF is the will of the people."
Kurds have repeatedly demanded decentralized governance, which Damascus has categorically refused.
"We call on all components and peoples in Syria to adopt the option of decentralization, and we emphasize that we are not seeking separation, as is rumored, but rather believe in the unity and solidarity of Syria," said Kanaan Barakat, DAANES spokesperson.
"The gathering of thousands of people from various components is the best evidence of Syria's unity and the embodiment of the peoples' fraternity," he added.
Barakat said providing aid to Syria's coast and supporting Suwayda’s residents demonstrated Syrian unity, which the administration seeks through cooperation with all communities.
The SDF, which liberated northern and eastern Syria, showcased humanitarian values globally by defeating ISIS and preventing its extremist ideology's spread, he added.
Multiple Damascus-Kurdish talks have occurred since a March 10 agreement, but tensions including SDF-Damascus clashes have stalled progress.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said he had done everything "in the interest of northeast (Syria) and everything that would facilitate... not reaching a battle or war," according to AFP.
Kurdish officials have criticized a temporary constitutional declaration by new Islamist authorities who ousted longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, saying it fails to reflect Syria's diversity.
"When we talk about decentralisation, we want it for all Syria, not just our own region," AFP quoted senior Syrian Kurdish official Aldar Xelil, as saying. "If the Kurdish issue is not resolved, Syria will not be a democratic state and the crises will not end."
Last month, Syria's Kurds criticized plans for selecting new transitional parliament members as undemocratic after authorities postponed the Rojava process.
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