Key facts
- A UN official stated there has been no progress on a September 2025 roadmap for confidence-building and reintegration in Sweida.
- Sectarian violence in July 2025 resulted in over 1,700 deaths, with a UN investigation finding potential war crimes.
- Underlying issues in Sweida remain unresolved, with some Druze calling for secession.
- Disagreements over location and security prevented 13,500 students from sitting national exams.
- Syria's transitional parliament has not been constituted over eight months after elections.
Efforts to stabilize southern Syria and repair divisions in the Druze-majority province of Sweida have stalled, according to a United Nations official. Nearly a year after deadly sectarian violence in July 2025, which resulted in over 1,700 deaths and potential war crimes, a government-led roadmap launched in September 2025 has seen no progress.
UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone informed the Security Council that underlying issues remain unresolved, and calls for secession from some Druze factions threaten Syria's unity. Kidnappings and inter-factional rivalries continue to destabilize the province. Furthermore, 13,500 students in Sweida were unable to take national examinations due to failed mediation over location and security, marking the second consecutive year of missed exams for most students.
Syrian officials, including Sweida Governor Mustafa al-Bakour, blame Druze armed groups for hindering progress and the restoration of state institutions. However, Druze leaders argue they are protecting their community following last year's violence and accuse Damascus of eroding trust. Cordone also expressed concern over the delay in constituting Syria's transitional parliament, which has not been formed more than eight months after elections, generating anxiety.