Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa delivered a historic address to the nation, vowing to usher in an era of justice and coexistence, as tens of thousands of jubilant citizens took to the streets to mark the one-year anniversary of the overthrow of the Bashar Assad regime.
Al-Sharaa’s alliance launched a lightning offensive last November, culminating in the capture of Damascus on December 8, bringing a sudden end to over five decades of Assad family rule and a decade of devastating civil war that claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions.
Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa speaks at a ceremony in Damascus to mark the first anniversary of Assad regime’s fall:
– Assad regime’s end has created an opportunity for co-existence and peace
– Now it’s time to work hard, to fulfil our pledges and rebuild a glorious Syria
-… pic.twitter.com/n5WkwbdM5F— TRT World (@trtworld) December 8, 2025
A New Dawn Declared
Celebratory prayers broadcast from mosques in the Old City heralded the day, followed by massive crowds thronging the streets of the capital and major cities, waving Syrian flags and chanting revolutionary songs.
In his speech, President Al-Sharaa, wearing the military garb he donned when he entered the capital a year prior, declared a historic break from the past:
“Today, with the dawn of freedom, we declare a historic break with that legacy, a complete dismantling of the illusion of falsehood, and a permanent departure from the era of despotism and tyranny, ushering in a bright new dawn—a dawn founded on justice, benevolence… and peaceful coexistence.”
Al-Sharaa reaffirmed a strong commitment to transitional justice to ensure accountability for all those who violated the law and committed crimes against the Syrian people, a pledge awaited by families of the tens of thousands still missing after disappearing into the former government’s prisons.
Domestic and International Shifts
The past year’s transition has been viewed by some, such as Dr. Iyad Burghol, as “like a miracle,” citing major diplomatic developments, including the embrace of President Al-Sharaa by U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Al-Sharaa previously having a U.S. bounty on his head.
The new government has already made progress on the international stage, restoring Syria’s international standing and winning sanctions relief.
However, immense domestic challenges remain, requiring the unification of efforts by all citizens:
- Security and Trust: Gaining people’s trust and guaranteeing security after years of conflict.
- Rebuilding Institutions: Reconstructing the framework of government.
- Essential Services: Providing basic necessities like electricity, and prioritizing civil peace.
- Unification: Keeping the fractured country united.
President Al-Sharaa concluded his morning address at Damascus’s famous Umayyad Mosque by stating, “The current phase requires the unification of efforts by all citizens to build a strong Syria, consolidate its stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and achieve a future befitting the sacrifices of its people.”
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