Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri emphasized that local expertise is capable of managing the region’s affairs in a way that guarantees security, stability, justice, and development, noting that residents had expressed “of their own free will” their demand for an independent entity that ensures a dignified life “under international law and the standards of developed states.”

He called for the return of what he described as “seized villages and lands” to their original owners, stressing that “rights are neither lost by the passage of time nor by bargaining.” Al-Hijri also urged concerned states, international organizations, and human rights groups to contribute to rebuilding destroyed villages before winter, after residents return.

He added that working groups had documented numerous violations against the people of the region, awaiting what he described as the withdrawal of “terrorism from the occupied villages” to record more, accusing the government of attempting to erase evidence of abuses through “burning, killing, destruction, and the use of internationally banned substances.”

The statement pledged to continue efforts to apply international pressure for the release of abductees and accountability for those responsible for violations, insisting that justice must take its course.

Al-Hijri also extended thanks to the United States and President Donald Trump, Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as European coalition countries, and to the Kurds and Alawites in Syria’s coastal region.

He called for continued support and for opening international crossings to break what he described as the “systematic siege” imposed on the people of Suwayda.

Demonstrations demand independence

Suwayda province (southern Syria) witnessed demonstrations calling for “self-determination,” where Israeli flags were raised amid the continued entry of aid to the province.

Local networks published footage of a protest held in “al-Karama Square” in Suwayda city on August 16, in which Druze community flags and the Israeli flag were raised under the slogan “The right to self-determination.”

The protestors chanted slogans rejecting “federalism” and demanding “full independence” from Syria, while voicing support for Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri.

Protesters rejected the presence of the Syrian government in Suwayda, describing it as representing “jihadists” and “Daesh.”

This was the first time that crowds of such size had taken to the streets of Suwayda province demanding independence and secession from Syria.

Simultaneously, another protest took place in Shahba (Suwayda province), where participants demanded the opening of an urgent humanitarian crossing, the formation of an international investigative committee, the end of what they called “the de facto authority in Suwayda,” and the immediate release of detainees.

Some participants, including several Druze sheikhs, demanded “the right to self-determination and the independence of Suwayda from Syria,” chanting: “Suwayda wants independence.”

They carried signs reading: “Secession rather than living in a backward state,” “Down with the authority of terrorism,” and “Secession rather than living in a terrorist state,” while thanking Israel.

Independence Protests in Suwayda, Southern Syria: What Comes Next?