In Suwayda, Syria, citizens, predominantly from the Druze sect, have been conducting protests calling for representation and essential public services. Since August 2023, they’ve actively demanded a secular state promoting minority rights amid the backdrop of Bashar al-Assad's regime downfall. The province stood firm in its resistance against governmental repression, displaying unyielding determination to voice their needs in the new Syria. Protesters like Alia Kuntar emphasize their commitment to continuing demonstrations until their demands are met. Notably, despite the power shift, protesters feel unchallenged but expect responsiveness to their requests.
Long before the fall last month of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the southern province of the same name had become a byword for resistance to rule by Damascus.
We will keep protesting until we get the state we want... Of course, we'll increase our demonstrations until we get what we want.
The southern province was a rare pocket of resistance for well over a year before his rule collapsed amid a wider insurgency at the end of 2024.
Residents of Suwayda had been demanding a secular state that enshrined minority rights, and are now emphatically insisting their voices be heard in the new Syria.
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