Mazloum Abdi and Ahmed al-Sharaa Hold Talks on Kurdish Role in Syria
At a Glance
- Kurdish rights dominate Damascus talks.
- SDF integration remains unresolved.
- Budget and salary issues discussed.
Information obtained by Channel8 indicates that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi and Autonomous Administration official Ilham Ahmed are to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss the future role of Kurds in Syria, including public employment, education, military integration, and the return of displaced people.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Channel8 has learned that Kurdish representation in state institutions is a key topic.
- Formal recognition of Kurdish-language education remains a major demand.
- Integration of the SDF into the Syrian military continues to be a central negotiating point.
- Budget allocations, unpaid salaries, and the return of displaced families are also discussed.
Information obtained by Channel8 indicates that Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed are to hold talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on the future status of Kurds in Syria.
The discussions focus on defining Kurdish participation in state institutions and advancing negotiations on political, administrative, and security issues during Syria's transitional period.
According to the information, Abdi calls for expanding Kurdish participation in public employment across all Syrian provinces rather than limiting recruitment to Hasakah.
He also reiterates demands for:
- Official recognition of Kurdish in Syria's education system.
- The safe return of displaced residents to Serekani (Ras al-Ayn) and the Shahba region.
- Payment of delayed government salaries and three months of unpaid wages for teachers employed by the Autonomous Administration.
- Agreement on the framework for integrating the SDF into the Syrian military.
The Syrian government has previously taken steps toward integrating civilian institutions, including deploying Ministry of Interior personnel to areas under Autonomous Administration control and appointing a governor for Hasakah.
However, differences remain over budget allocations, the mechanism for integrating SDF forces, and broader Kurdish participation in state institutions.
The meeting follows months of negotiations after a ceasefire agreement was reached in January 2026.
An earlier eight-point agreement signed in March 2025 outlined the formation of a military division consisting of three SDF brigades and a separate brigade for Kobane, but most of its provisions have yet to be implemented.
Both sides are now seeking a broader agreement covering political representation, administrative coordination, and the long-term integration of military and civilian institutions.
FYI
Negotiations between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration have accelerated since Syria's political transition. Key issues, including Kurdish political representation, security arrangements, public sector employment, and the future of the SDF, remain unresolved despite multiple rounds of talks and previous agreements. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to play a significant role in shaping Syria's post-conflict political framework.
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