Ilham Ahmed Outlines Damascus Meeting and the Next Phase of Integration

Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, offered new details about the high-level meeting held in Damascus on April 15. The talks brought together Ahmed, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi, and Interim Government President Ahmed al-Sharaa to review the progress of the integration process and address the obstacles that continue to slow it.

Education at the Center of the Talks

Ahmed explained that the meeting focused on the most persistent challenges facing integration. Chief among them is the unresolved issue of recognizing certificates issued by the Autonomous Administration. Although the January 29 agreement laid out a framework for resolving the matter, no final mechanism has been implemented.

She noted that the Ministers of Education and Higher Education will soon travel to Hasakah to establish a clear process for recognition and to discuss the broader education system, including the language of instruction. Decisions on these issues are expected after further meetings.

So far, administrative progress has been limited to appointing directors in the health and education sectors. Additional directorates will be identified soon, along with a new mechanism for completing appointments across institutions.

Ahmed acknowledged that integration is advancing, though at a slower pace than hoped. Regional representatives have been appointed, yet ministerial and directorate-level appointments remain incomplete and require further coordination.

Border Crossings and Administrative Continuity

A mechanism has been established for managing the Semalka crossing and other border points. Employees who previously worked under the Autonomous Administration continue to perform their duties within the new framework, ensuring continuity of services.

Challenges in Appointments

Several difficulties have emerged during implementation. Ahmed highlighted three key concerns:

• Some directorate heads were appointed by the Interim Government immediately after the fall of the Assad regime, creating friction.
• The Autonomous Administration has a large pool of experienced cadres who should not be sidelined.
• Both sides must agree on a balanced approach to appointments.

She emphasized that the region’s diverse communities — Kurds, Syriacs, and Arabs — must be represented fairly, and that competence and specialization should guide all staffing decisions.

Women’s Representation and the YPJ

Women’s participation remains a major point of contention. Although women have long held leadership and administrative roles within the Autonomous Administration, recent appointments in the health and education sectors have been exclusively male.

Ahmed stressed that women’s representation must be treated as a priority in the new structure.

The future of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) is also under discussion. While no final decision has been reached, the Interim Government continues to examine options for formalizing the YPJ’s status.

Parliamentary Seats and Municipal Restructuring

Work is underway to select representatives from Hasakah and Kobani for the Syrian People’s Assembly. A central committee and a preparatory committee in Hasakah are overseeing the process, with the latter authorized to take initiative when needed.

Municipal structures in Rojava will also be reorganized to improve service delivery under the new administrative framework.

Toward a New Constitution

Ahmed said that once parliamentary representatives from Rojava are chosen, the constitutional file will move forward. Kurds will participate in the drafting committee.

She added: “Syria needs a new constitution that includes representatives of all components. Kurds are essential partners in building this country and will play an important role in the coming phase.”

Detainees and the Path Ahead

The issue of detainees remains unresolved. All parties reaffirmed during the Damascus meeting that prisoners must be released as soon as possible.

The integration process between the Autonomous Administration and the central government is advancing gradually, shaped by both progress and persistent challenges. Administrative coordination is improving, yet key issues — including education recognition, women’s representation, the status of the YPJ, and equitable appointments — remain open. Both sides appear committed to continued dialogue as they navigate the complexities of unifying institutions in a post-conflict Syria.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.

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