One year after the conference on Kurdish unity in Rojava, the co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), Xerîb Hiso, stated that, although the conference was an important step, concrete progress in its implementation has largely failed to materialize. Speaking to ANF, he emphasized the central importance of unity for the future of the Kurds in Syria and beyond.
Conference as an important step
The conference on April 26, 2025, emerged in the context of political developments in Syria and enabled, for the first time, a broad gathering of Kurdish forces. The process was initiated, among others, by Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the support of various Kurdish actors. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan also described the step as significant.
“This conference was a success because, for the first time, numerous political and social forces of the Kurds, as well as international actors, came together,” Hiso said. As a result, a joint document was adopted outlining the core demands of Kurdish society. In addition, a committee was formed to initiate dialogue with the Syrian transitional government.
Stalemate in dialogue with Damascus
Despite these efforts, a decisive step failed to materialize: the planned talks in Damascus did not take place. Although there had been initial contacts in the context of the March 10 agreement, the committee’s work did not achieve the intended outcome. “One year has passed, but in practical terms no progress has been made,” Hiso stated. Cooperation within the committee remained limited, and key objectives—particularly direct talks in Damascus—could not be realized, he added.
Criticism of the transitional government’s policy
Hiso also held the stance of the Syrian transitional government responsible. According to him, it has not accepted Kurdish unity and has at times portrayed it as a threat. In his view, this policy aims to keep Kurdish forces divided and weaken their political capacity to act. “If we are only accepted in a fragmented way, it means breaking our political will,” Hiso said. He also warned that continuing this approach would not only leave the Kurdish issue unresolved but also undermine prospects for a shared future in Syria.
Internal shortcomings and lack of coordination
Alongside external criticism, Hiso acknowledged internal weaknesses. He stated that cooperation among the involved forces has been insufficient, and communication has remained limited. The original goal of acting as a joint delegation and negotiating in unity has not yet been achieved, and these shortcomings have further slowed the process, he noted.
Unity as a prerequisite for a political solution
According to Hiso, it is clear that resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria is not possible without a common strategy. He said that neither individual parties nor regional approaches can achieve a sustainable solution in isolation. “No single side can solve the problems alone. The solution begins with our own unity,” he stressed. “If a shared position can be developed, the opposing side will also be compelled to recognize it.”
Call for a new gathering
Against this backdrop, Hiso calls for a renewed political initiative, saying: “A new gathering of Kurdish forces is necessary to consolidate previous outcomes and create a new structure. The goal should be to establish a unified representation that can act as an interlocutor both with Damascus and internationally. There is also a need for broader Kurdish unity beyond Rojava.”
“Unity is our compass”
In conclusion, Hiso emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that Kurdish unity must be strengthened in the face of ongoing crises and threats. “National unity is not a tactical tool, but a fundamental political and moral stance,” he said. “It is our compass by which we must guide our actions. Without such a shared foundation, further fragmentation risks making external interventions easier. With strengthened unity, however, both political recognition and a democratic perspective for the region can be advanced,” he underlined.
Leave a Reply