Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi calls upon Syrians to unite
3 min readIn his first public comments since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi emphasized the importance of Syria’s future, urging Syrians to unite for the country’s rebuilding. El-Sissi spoke candidly about the situation during a meeting with local media representatives, highlighting the responsibility of Syria’s citizens in determining their nation’s destiny.
“The decision-makers are the people of the country, and they will either demolish or build it,” El-Sissi declared, stressing the significant role that Syrians themselves must play in shaping the post-Assad era. His words came at a crucial moment for the country, which has been ravaged by years of civil war, foreign intervention, and internal strife. With the collapse of the Assad regime last week, following a swift rebel offensive that seized Damascus, the Syrian government’s 50-year-long hold on power came to an abrupt end.
In addition to his remarks on Syria, El-Sissi revealed that he has been in contact with the newly-elected U.S. administration of President Donald Trump. The two sides have reportedly discussed the ongoing crises in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Syria, Gaza, and Sudan. El-Sissi emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing these issues, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to working with the U.S. to find solutions for these complex regional challenges.
The fall of Assad’s government, which many analysts viewed as inevitable after years of conflict, marks a historic turning point for Syria and the broader Middle East. The swift takeover by rebel forces was a significant blow to the Assad family’s decades-long rule over the country, which had been marked by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The collapse of the government has left Syria in a state of uncertainty, with multiple factions vying for control of the country’s key institutions and resources.
El-Sissi’s call for unity comes amid this turbulent backdrop. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he emphasized that Syria’s future lies in the hands of its people. The Egyptian leader’s statement reflects a broader sentiment in the region: the need for a Syrian-led solution to the crisis, free from external interference and driven by the will of the Syrian people.
The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring protests, has caused untold devastation, leading to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions more. The Syrian civil war has become one of the most complex and destructive conflicts of the 21st century, involving various regional and international powers, each with their own interests and agendas.
For Egypt, Syria’s stability is of paramount importance. As a key regional power, Egypt has long been concerned about the effects of the Syrian crisis on the broader Middle East, including the rise of extremist groups and the strain on neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. El-Sissi’s call for unity among Syrians is not just about resolving internal conflict but also about ensuring the long-term stability of the region as a whole.
The collapse of the Assad government also has implications for Egypt’s relationship with its own domestic challenges. El-Sissi’s government has faced its own share of political unrest and criticism, but it has maintained a strong stance on regional issues, positioning itself as a leader in Arab affairs. By urging Syrians to come together, El-Sissi is reinforcing the importance of self-determination in the face of external pressures.
Looking ahead, the road to Syria’s recovery will be fraught with challenges. The power vacuum left by Assad’s fall has already led to intense competition between various factions within the country, including Islamist groups, Kurdish forces, and other rebel factions. International powers, including the United States, Russia, and Iran, will continue to exert influence over the country’s future, but El-Sissi’s remarks suggest that he sees the path forward as one that should be determined by Syrians themselves.
In conclusion, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi’s comments on Syria reflect a broader regional desire for stability and self-determination in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse. By emphasizing the importance of unity and the role of Syrians in rebuilding their country, El-Sissi is calling for a new era of cooperation and collaboration, not only among Syrians but also with the international community, to bring an end to the prolonged crisis.