Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government on March 29, 2025, dominated by allies and including Hind Kabawat as the first female minister. Following Assad’s removal, this government aims to unify and rebuild Syria amidst external calls for inclusivity. Concerns persist about power concentration and protections for minorities in the new governance framework.
On March 29, 2025, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government predominantly comprising allies, which replaces the caretaker administration implemented after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. This announcement follows international demands for an inclusive governmental transition after recent sectarian violence, as Syria’s new leadership aims to restore unity and rebuild the nation post-civil war.
Key positions in the new government were retained by close associates of President Sharaa, including Assaad al-Shaibani as Foreign Minister and Murhaf Abu Qasra as Defence Minister. Additionally, Anas Khattab was appointed as the new Interior Minister. Notably, veteran opposition figure Hind Kabawat, a prominent member within Syria’s Christian minority and a long-time adversary of Assad, was appointed as the Social Affairs and Labour Minister, marking her as the first woman to receive such a position in Sharaa’s cabinet.
Moreover, Raed al-Saleh, recognized as the leader of the White Helmets, was designated as the Minister of Emergency Situations and Disasters. The Islamist-led governing authorities have expressed a commitment to safeguarding minority populations, particularly in light of recent violence between forces affiliated with Assad’s Alawite community and Sunni militias that led to civilian fatalities.
Previously, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir was set in place to navigate the transitional phase until the formation of a new cabinet was announced, originally expected on March 1. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and was appointed interim president in late January, has recently formalized a constitutional declaration outlining the transitional governance period. Notably, experts and human rights organizations have raised concerns that this framework consolidates power within Sharaa’s leadership and lacks sufficient civil protections for minorities.
In summary, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s formation of a new transitional government signals a strategic move to stabilize Syria following years of civil conflict and external pressure for inclusivity. Despite retaining key positions for established allies and appointing a minority female minister, concerns remain regarding the concentration of power and the safeguarding of minority rights during this critical transitional period.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
