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Sipan Hemo: No Return to Tyranny… SDF Presses Ahead Toward a Decentralized and Democratic Syria
In an exclusive interview with Nu Medya, Sipan Hemo, a member of the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), reaffirmed the group’s commitment to building a decentralized, democratic, and pluralistic Syria. He stressed the SDF’s categorical rejection of any formula that would return the country to the era of past authoritarianism or rebrand tyranny under new names.
Hemo described the current government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa as “nothing more than a continuation of the previous authoritarian structure,” saying: “The names have changed, but the mentality remains the same.” He asserted that this government offers “no real prospect for building a democratic state.”
Conditional Integration into the Army
The SDF commander noted that the forces are open to joining the Syrian army as part of a comprehensive national vision. However, he made it clear: “If the path of rigidity and authoritarianism continues, the Syrian Democratic Forces will not be part of that army. We have alternative options, and we are not without leverage.”
Rights Are Not Handouts
Hemo criticized what he called “the treatment of individual rights as if they are favors granted by some authority,” affirming that the SDF’s vision is for a decentralized system that guarantees rights for all Syrian communities without exception.
A Message to Ankara
On relations with Turkey, Hemo stated: “We pose no threat to Turkey,” calling for an end to what he described as incitement against the SDF. He emphasized that such rhetoric does not serve stability in the region.
Rejecting a Return to the Past
Regarding proposals for a political settlement, Hemo said: “Any offer to join in exchange for restoring the situation to what it was before is completely unacceptable.” He stressed that any solution must be built on new foundations that ensure genuine partnership among all Syrians.
Warning of an Inevitable Fate
Hemo concluded by accusing the current government of ruling the country through foreign-armed groups that “do not represent the will of the Syrian people,” warning that continuing along this path will lead them to “the same fate as the Ba’ath Party—defeat and disintegration.”
