KNCS and AANES Reject Syria’s New Government: Genuine Inclusivity or Continued Exclusion

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The newly formed Syrian transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from Kurdish political leaders who question its inclusivity. While al-Sharaa has framed the government as a milestone in Syria’s post-Assad era, Kurdish representatives and other minority groups argue that the new leadership has failed to ensure fair representation in the country’s political future.

Kurdish National Council in Syria Criticizes Lack of Genuine Representation

Faisal Yousef, spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS), expressed disappointment over the exclusionary nature of the new government, stating that the Kurdish people are seeking real partnership, not symbolic participation. 

"From the beginning, our demands have been clear: Kurds must be recognized as key partners in the state, not just token members in the government," Yousef told Kurdistan 24. "The Kurdish people are Syria’s second-largest ethnic group, and ignoring them or minimizing their political role is unacceptable."

He emphasized that the issue goes beyond appointing a few Kurdish ministers. Instead, the KNCS insists on constitutional guarantees recognizing Kurdish national, cultural, and political rights. The newly adopted Syrian constitutional framework, however, does not include any provisions ensuring Kurdish autonomy or representation.

Despite previous statements from Syrian officials acknowledging historical injustices against the Kurds, Yousef pointed out that they were excluded from key discussions on forming the government and drafting the constitution. "If Syria’s leadership continues this exclusionary approach, it will only deepen political tensions and prolong instability," he warned.

Government Formation Raises Questions Over Power Centralization

Al-Sharaa’s 22-member cabinet was introduced as a step toward rebuilding Syria, yet critics argue that it largely preserves the top-down governance that has long defined Syrian politics. While a symbolic gesture was made by appointing a Kurd as Minister of Education, the most influential ministries—such as foreign affairs, defense, and interior—remain under the control of al-Sharaa’s close allies.

The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal have all reported that this cabinet composition is being viewed as a test of whether Syria’s new leadership is genuinely committed to political reform. Observers caution that while the rhetoric of inclusivity is present, the reality appears to reinforce executive authority rather than distribute power more equitably.

KNCS's spokesperson said, "We believe that the new government has not included the fundamental components of the Syrian state, most importantly the Kurdish people, and has not worked to include them in the political process. However, the Kurdish National Council will continue its efforts in dialogue with the new government to amplify the Kurds' voices and demand their rights. We believe that the inclusion of Kurds in the state will strengthen the Syrian government's position internally and externally, and therefore there must be real steps in this direction."

Will International Sanctions Be Lifted?

The formation of this government comes amid efforts by al-Sharaa’s administration to secure international legitimacy and seek relief from crippling sanctions. While the European Union and the United Kingdom have eased some restrictions, key sanctions imposed by the United States remain in place.

Yousef said that “Lifting sanctions is linked to the extent to which the new government achieves true political inclusiveness. Therefore, if there is a genuine desire to lift sanctions and strengthen Syria's international standing, the government must work to include all components in governance, initiate a genuine democratic process, and guarantee the rights of all Syrians through a just and comprehensive constitution.”

Western powers have linked the potential lifting of sanctions to tangible political reforms, including the protection of minority rights and the establishment of genuine democratic institutions. However, with the new constitutional framework granting al-Sharaa sweeping executive powers—such as direct appointment of judges and partial control over parliament—many observers remain skeptical about the prospects for meaningful change.

KNCS’s spokesperson said, "We affirm that the absolute priority is to build a true partnership between all Syrian components. Excluding the Kurds simply means excluding an essential part of Syria, and this is a grave mistake. We welcome foreign support for reconstruction, but the foundation lies in the consensus of the Syrians themselves. We, as Kurds, demand our legitimate rights within the framework of a unified Syria.”

Through the platform of  Kurdistan 24 Yousef affirmed that “the Kurds want to be partners in rebuilding Syria, and that the voices accusing the Kurds of seeking secession are completely wrong.”

Autonomous Administration Rejects New Government’s Authority

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) also rejected the legitimacy of the new government, stating that it fails to reflect Syria’s diverse population. In a statement, AANES accused the transitional leadership of replicating past exclusionary policies and warned that without meaningful political dialogue, Syria’s crisis would persist.

"The new government mirrors its predecessor in its disregard for Syria’s pluralistic identity," the statement read. "The continued dominance of a single political faction over state affairs contradicts the aspirations of Syrians who fought for democratic change."

AANES reaffirmed its commitment to a decentralized and democratic Syria, vowing not to recognize or implement decisions issued by a government that does not ensure fair representation for all ethnic and religious groups.

A Test for Syria’s Future

Syria’s transitional phase remains fraught with challenges. While al-Sharaa has emphasized his commitment to national unity, the exclusion of key political and ethnic groups raises concerns about whether this new government represents a true break from the past or merely a rebranded continuation of centralized rule.

For the Kurds and other sidelined communities, the path forward hinges on whether the Syrian leadership will engage in real power-sharing or continue to pursue a governance model that leaves large segments of society without a voice. Until then, the question remains: is this a government of inclusion, or just another iteration of Syria’s long-standing political status quo?