Syria’s First Donor Conference Marks Critical Step for New Leadership

Syria is participating in its first donor conference in Brussels, aiming to support its new leadership post-Assad. The meeting is intended to consolidate international support, address urgent humanitarian needs, and discuss potential aid for rebuilding, despite ongoing security issues and economic challenges. The interim government seeks validation and economic relief amid a backdrop of violence and skepticism from minority groups.

Syria is poised to participate in its first donor conference on Monday, March 13, 2025, marking an important milestone for its new leadership following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The European Union convenes the conference in Brussels to garner support for Syria’s transition, involving ministers from Western nations, regional neighbors, Arabic countries, and UN agencies, all led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The interim Syrian government, represented by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, seeks to enhance its international legitimacy and secure short-term aid necessary for economic recovery. The initial costs for rebuilding Syria are estimated between $250 billion to $400 billion, complicated by existing Western sanctions that remain largely in place.

Security concerns loom over the conference, as recent violence between Syrian security forces and loyalists of former President Assad highlights ongoing instability. Some factions associated with the new government have engaged in sectarian violence, raising alarm regarding Syria’s peace efforts. The EU has emphasized support for a unified, sovereign Syria and peaceful transitions while maintaining hesitance over lifting sanctions.

The country’s interim leadership, emerging from a tumultuous civil war, has faced challenges in asserting authority amid efforts to consolidate control. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim president, has signed a temporary constitution that maintains Islamist rule for a transitional period of five years. However, skepticism remains among religious and ethnic minorities about this new government’s ability to govern inclusively.

Moreover, Syria is grappling with dire economic and humanitarian conditions. With only a few hours of electricity available daily and widespread unemployment reaching 80-90%, infrastructure damages remain severe. Approximately 7 million people are displaced internally, and over 4.7 million registered refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Despite these challenges, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expresses optimism regarding operational improvements in the post-Assad era, emphasizing the necessity for calm in Syria’s recovery initiatives.

In conclusion, Syria’s inaugural participation in the donor conference represents a critical step towards rebuilding the nation after years of civil strife and governance challenges. While the interim government seeks international legitimacy and aid, significant hurdles, including security concerns and a crumbling economy, remain. The response of the international community, particularly the European Union, will be pivotal in determining Syria’s trajectory towards reconstruction and stability.

Original Source: apnews.com