Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to rebuild Syria as the country marks one year since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad after nearly 14 years of war.
Al-Sharaa performed the dawn prayer at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to mark the first anniversary of the fall of the al-Assad rule.
In a speech after the prayers, he pledged to rebuild Syria.
“No one will stand in our way, no matter how big or powerful they are, and no obstacles will stand in our way. We will face all challenges, God willing.
“From its north to its south and and from its east to its west, we will rebuild a strong Syria with a structure befitting its present and its past, and we will rebuild it to support the oppressed and to establish justice among the people.”
Ahmed al-Sharaa
According to state news agency, the Syrian Postal Corporation issued five stamps and a commemorative card to mark the one-year celebrations. The items are set to go on sale from Tuesday at post offices across the country.
The report added that a stamp exhibition in the capital Damascus will open to the public for three days, featuring rare collections from Syria’s postal history.
Syrians are marking the day with celebrations and renewed optimism that their country is transforming into a free, secure nation.
Residents of the capital Damascus say the hardships they faced under the rule of the ousted Bashar al-Assad have ended, expressing confidence that the new administration will lead Syria towards a better future, particularly in freedom, the economy, and security.
The new government has taken steps to provide basic services, including electricity and civil servants’ salaries, while implementing decisions that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
A presidential decree in June raised civil servants’ minimum monthly salaries from 250,000 Syrian pounds (about $15 at the time) to 750,000 Syrian pounds (about $65).
Repair and maintenance work began on the country’s power grid, which had suffered severe damage during 14 years of bombardment. Major cities including Aleppo, Homs and Damascus received uninterrupted 24-hour electricity on a trial basis for the first time in 15 years.
Nonetheless, challenges persist despite progress in justice, economy and infrastructure.
The Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) extended its “warmest congratulations” to Syrians while emphasising the need for unification.
“The fall of the regime is a historic opportunity for all Syrians to rebuild their homeland on new foundations. The next phase requires launching a genuine and inclusive national dialogue, free from exclusion and unilateralism, and establishing a new social contract that guarantees rights, freedoms and equality.”
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
The statement also warned that “the language of incitement and hate is still being used by some elements within the regime … who are trying to recycle the same divisive rhetoric.”
In October, Syria’s government declared a ceasefire between its security forces and Kurdish fighters after renewed clashes threatened a March deal to incorporate the SDF into state institutions. The SDF continues to control parts of northeast Syria.
UN Affirms Commitment To Supporting Syria
UN Chief Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people to ensure the success of the political transition in their country.
Guterres urged the international community to “stand firmly behind this Syrian-led, Syrian-owned transition,” stressing that its success depends on sustained funding for humanitarian appeals, the removal of barriers to reconstruction and the promotion of economic development.
“On this anniversary, we stand united in purpose – to build a foundation of peace and prosperity and renew our pledge to a free, sovereign, united and inclusive Syria.”
Antonio Guterres
Also, the UN Chief paid tribute to the “resilience and courage of the Syrian people, who never stopped nurturing hope despite enduring unimaginable hardship,” calling the occasion “a day to honor their sacrifices and to renew the aspirations that fueled the historic change in the country.”
He asserted that what lies ahead is far more than a political transition but rather the chance to “rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions.” He added, “It is an opportunity to forge a nation where every Syrian – regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or political affiliation – can live securely, equally and with dignity.”
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