Ahmed al-Sharaa assumes Syrian presidency for transitional phase

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria and head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was declared president for a transitional phase on January 29, solidifying his hold on power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

The announcement, made by the military command that led the offensive against Assad, also suspended the Syrian constitution and authorized Sharaa to establish a temporary legislative council, Caliber.Az reports via Western news sources.

The Assad-era parliament was formally dissolved, along with the Baath Party and state security apparatus.

Speaking at the "Conference for Announcing the Victory of the Syrian Revolution," Sharaa emphasized the need for civil peace, transitional justice, and economic development. He pledged to oversee a political transition, form an inclusive government, and eventually hold elections within four years. However, no specific timeline was provided for the legislative body's formation.

Analysts view the move as a step toward consolidating HTS's rule. "This formalizes Sharaa’s status as Syria’s strongman," said Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics. Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center noted that the declaration "does not reflect Syria’s political, religious, and ethnic diversity."

Qatar, a backer of the new administration, welcomed the developments, calling them a step toward restructuring Syria and fostering national unity. In Damascus, celebratory gunfire was reported following the announcement.

To recall, on December 8, 2024, the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad collapsed following a rapid offensive by rebel forces. The insurgents, led by HTS and supported by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, advanced swiftly, capturing key cities including Aleppo and Hama. Their momentum culminated in the seizure of Damascus, prompting Assad to flee the capital and seek asylum in Moscow.

Following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was declared Syria's interim president. Al-Sharaa, the ex-leader of the HTS, has initiated significant changes to guide Syria through its transitional phase.

By Khagan Isayev