Syria’s Assad regime is toppling at a remarkable speed, drawing global attention. The leader of the anti-government forces, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, stated on Sunday, December 8th, that the Syrian national institutions will be overseen by Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali until the completion of the power transition.
This indicates efforts towards ensuring a smooth transition after the announcement of the end of Assad’s rule by the anti-government forces.
According to Reuters, Golani, signing with his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, issued a statement prohibiting Damascus’ military from approaching public institutions and from firing weapons into the air.
In September of this year, Assad appointed Jalali as the Prime Minister of Syria. Following the government troops’ occupation of Damascus, Jalali expressed readiness to transfer his duties to the transitional government. In an interview with Al Arabiya, he mentioned being in contact with Sharaa to discuss the management of the current transition period and stressed the importance of free elections for Syria. He also stated his intention to remain at home, ready to support the continuity of governance.
Syria’s Minister of Telecommunications, Eyad al-Khatib, revealed in an interview with Al Arabiya that representatives responsible for telecommunication services from Sharaa’s camp had reached out to him. They reached an agreement that both telecommunications and the internet will continue operating.
Following the anti-government forces’ occupation of the capital Damascus, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in its first statement that the Ministry and Syrian embassies abroad would continue functioning to serve the Syrian people.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Arab Syrian Republic and its diplomatic missions abroad will continue to work to serve all compatriots and manage their affairs,” the Ministry stated on Sunday. “Today, a new page in Syria’s history is being written, initiating a pact and a charter to unite the Syrian people rather than divide their country.”
Assad’s whereabouts remain a mystery. When the anti-government forces took control of Damascus on Sunday, Assad was no longer in the capital. Russia, one of Assad’s closest allies, confirmed on Sunday that Assad had left Syria but did not disclose his location or clarify whether Russia would provide him with asylum.