On March 12, 2025, Hekmat Al-Hajri, the leader of the Druze community in Syria, announced the establishment of a 10-point agreement, known as the "Tafahm," with the new Syrian administration based in Damascus. This development marks the first public interaction between Al-Hajri and the new regime, promising significant potential changes for the residents of Al-Suwaida.
The agreement was highlighted during a meeting held at Dar Qanawat, where Al-Hajri met with Mustafa Al-Bakur, the Syrian administration's envoy to Al-Suwaida, along with various local leaders who participated in the recently convened National Dialogue Conference. Reports suggest the agreement stems from previous consultations and discussions aimed at addressing pressing issues faced by the community.
The documented clauses of the Tafahm reveal the administration's commitment to implement certain measures to restore local governance and public order. Key commitments include the activation of law enforcement and security initiatives within the Ministry of Interior, ensuring the immediate payment of overdue salaries to public employees, and reevaluations of firings preceding December 8, 2024, prioritizing reinstatement for those unfairly dismissed.
Among the provisions, the agreement emphasizes the urgent need for administrative and financial reforms within state-affiliated institutions. This encompasses streamlining services and addressing employee needs through the expedient appointment of qualified personnel to meet administrative requirements. The aim here is to undo some of the administrative failures experienced by the region over recent years.
Further, the Tafahm shared commitments to uphold civil peace and prevent any violations against both public and private properties. This involves the development and implementation of plans to address illegal encroachments on state property and organized public spaces, with the intent to create viable alternatives for those affected.
Despite the optimism surrounding the Tafahm, journalists and analysts caution against overinterpreting its significance. Diaa Al-Sahnawi, reporting for Al-Hurra, remarked, "The clauses have been worked on for 3 months, and are still valid until now." Meanwhile, Ryan Maarouf, the director of the news network Al-Suwaida 24, added, "The Tafahm district is not an agreement; it does not mean the end. It is an expression of Tafahm, and there are requests made by the new administration."
This clarifies the distinction between the agreement's initial intent and its eventual outcomes; community leaders see this as merely the starting point of discussions rather than the final resolution of issues. According to local media reports, the Tafahm does not signal the complete resolution of any divides but rather emphasizes the need for sustained dialogue between Al-Hajri and the Syrian administration.
It is evident the Druze community's leadership is optimistic but remains vigilant. The initial terms of this agreement may serve as groundwork for alleviating some systemic grievances within Al-Suwaida, addressing the historical tensions experienced with the central authority. Continued engagement between these factions is seen as necessary to translate the principles established within the Tafahm to tangible outcomes for the residents.
Looking forward, the real challenge remains whether the new Syrian administration can deliver on these commitments. The residents of Al-Suwaida have waited patiently for institutional reform, and the effectiveness of the Tafahm will hinge on its implementation and follow-up actions. The community is hopeful but also recognizes the complexity of the regional situation.
The Tafahm initiative stands as both a hopeful promise of local engagement and governance reform and as a reminder of potential pitfalls on the road to peace. The coming weeks will be pivotal as both parties work to solidify their intentions and translate this agreement from paper to reality.