Syria undergoes its first government reshuffle in nearly a decade

Syria’s Interim President Announces Government Changes

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a series of government changes, including the appointment of Abdul Rahman Badreddine al-Aama as secretary-general for the presidency. This move comes after his brother Maher held the position previously.

Al-Sharaa also appointed Khaled Zaarour as information minister, replacing Hamza Mustafa, who was moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bassel Sweidan has been appointed agriculture minister, replacing Druze Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr.

Governors in several provinces, including Homs, Quneitra, and Deir Az Zor, have also been replaced. The changes were made through presidential decrees.

Al-Sharaa inherited the presidency after decades of authoritarian rule and a 13-year war in Syria. He has sought to rebuild state structures and the economy by appointing officials known to him from the Syrian Salvation Government.

The reasons for the government changes are unclear, but critics have previously criticized Al-Sharaa’s appointment of close friends to ministerial positions. Recent protests and social media campaigns have also emerged due to worsening economic conditions and poor governance.

Analysts say the reshuffle is a recalibration of Al-Sharaa’s inner circle, with some changes aimed at addressing concerns about nepotism. However, others argue that the new appointees come from Al-Sharaa’s trusted network, rather than representing a broader range of voices.

The government has also launched trials for former Assad-era officials, including Atef Najib, who is accused of overseeing a violent crackdown on protesters during the 2011 uprising.

Source: Al Jazeera