Public Statement - Issued by Madaniya

A Historic Opportunity for a New Syria: Madaniya Joins the Syrian People in Celebrating the Lifting of Sanctions and Calls for a Comprehensive National Mobilisation  

 1- The United States of America, through President Donald Trump during his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, offering the country “a new opportunity” and acknowledging the extreme severity of the previous measures.  

Madaniya warmly welcomes this landmark decision, viewing it as the dawn of a new era in Syria’s history following the fall of the Assad regime. We express our profound hope that this initiative will accelerate Syria’s recovery, facilitate reconstruction, and finally lead the country out of the long, dark chapter of suffering and devastation.   

2- In light of this development, Madaniya urges the European Union to follow suit by immediately, fully, and unconditionally lifting all sectoral and institutional sanctions currently imposed on Syria. The EU must stand with the Syrian people as they work to rebuild their shattered country. The wide-ranging restrictive measures in place continue to obstruct economic recovery, delay the rebuilding of institutions, and hinder the reconstruction of critical infrastructure vital to the well-being of our citizens.  

3-  Madaniya underscores the essential role Syrian civil society must play at this defining moment. We call on all civic actors to contribute meaningfully to social rebuilding and national reconstruction efforts, to expand and safeguard the civic space, and to leverage their oversight and civic roles to rationalise government actions, reinforcing good governance and accountability. 

4-  Madaniya also calls on the Syrian government to take bold and genuine steps to protect and promote public freedoms, expedite the passage of laws that guarantee these rights, and dismantle the legal obstacles and restrictions inherited from the deposed regime. These actions are fundamental to rebuilding trust between the state and its people, and to re-establishing a state rooted in the rule of law and the respect for human rights.   

Madaniya  

14 May 2025 

Madaniya’s Position Statement on Violations in the Syrian Coast

Statement from the Chairman of Madaniya, Mr. Ayman Asfari

In light of recent media reports regarding my appointment to form the new Syrian government cabinet, I would like to clarify that these claims are entirely unfounded. No such request has been made to me, nor have I sought this role. That said, I extend my best wishes to the incoming government for success in carrying out its duties during this critical period in Syria’s history.  

The current circumstances demand the formation of a transitional government founded on competence and fair representation—one that genuinely reflects the aspirations of all segments of the Syrian people without bias or power-sharing arrangements based on military, sectarian, or other affiliations. Such a government must be effective, vested with real and comprehensive authority, capable of addressing Syria’s immense challenges, and committed to fulfilling the aspirations of its people and honouring their sacrifices. 

I will be among the first to support any government formed on the basis of these principles and will work with them to help them succeed in achieving the objectives that serve Syria’s best interests during this pivotal time. 

Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan. May this holy month bring peace and prosperity to you and your loved ones. 

Ayman Asfari 

Chairman of Madaniya 

February 28, 2025 

10 December 2024 - No Alternative to a Representative Political Transition That Fulfills the Aspirations of All Syrian Men and Women

In light of the rapid developments on the ground, including the interim transfer of power that has ended the Assad regime’s era, Madaniya reaffirms its official position that the foundation for the next phase must be established through a comprehensive and full political transition process, under the supervision of the United Nations, in alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. 

December 8, 2024- The Assad regime has fallen

Today, Syrian men and women are reclaiming their country. The Assad regime has fallen.  

After fourteen years of struggle, the Assad regime has fallen. Today, Syrians celebrate a hard-earned victory and move forward with renewed determination—working to build an inclusive, sovereign state rooted in the rule of law, equal rights, and the promise of true citizenship for all.

Position Statement: Renewed Political Action Needed Amid Escalation in Aleppo and Idlib

In light of the recent rapid developments in Aleppo and Idlib, we share with you Madaniya's position statement.

At Madaniya, we reaffirm our pivotal role as civic actors during this critical phase, working through all possible means to protect civilians and civil infrastructure, prevent and document all violations by all parties, and create the necessary conditions to empower civil administration in the areas that have come under control while maintaining its independence of all de-facto authorities.