Syrians have celebrated the first anniversary of President Bashar al-Assad's removal from power, as the country works to rebuild after decades of authoritarian rule and years of civil war.
Context
The Assad family ruled Syria for 54 years before being overthrown.
In December last year, Assad fled to Russia after rebel forces led by Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa seized Damascus, the capital of the country. It ended more than 13 years of civil war that began with an uprising against Assad's rule in 2011.
Over the weekend, official celebrations took place in Damascus' central Umayyad Square, with gatherings planned across the country. Sharaa marked the occasion by performing dawn prayers at the city's Umayyad Mosque.
Celebrations began days earlier in some cities. On Friday, thousands filled the streets of Hama waving Syria's new flag, marking the day insurgents captured the city during their march to Damascus last year.
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Sharaa is a former al Qaeda commander who led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that spearheaded the rebel campaign. In a speech in late November, he urged all Syrians to rally in the squares to show their joy and demonstrate national unity.
The new government has reshaped Syria's international relationships. Sharaa has established ties with the U.S, gained support from Gulf Arab states, and moved away from Assad's former backers Iran and Russia. Most Western sanctions have been lifted.
Sharaa has promised to replace what he called Assad's "brutal police state" with an inclusive and just order.
Ongoing challenges
Despite the celebrations, Syria faces serious obstacles to stability. Hundreds of people have been killed in sectarian violence over the past year, causing new displacement and creating distrust among minority communities toward Sharaa's government.
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The Kurdish-led administration in Syria's northeast congratulated Syrians on the anniversary but banned gatherings on security grounds, citing increased activity by "terror cells." The Kurdish-led administration has sought to safeguard its regional autonomy from Damascus.
In the south, some Druze - followers of a minority sect that is an offshoot of Islam - are demanding independence.
Sharaa’s response
Speaking at a forum in Qatar over the weekend, Sharaa said "Syria today is living its best times," despite the violence. He promised accountability for those responsible.
Sharaa announced Syria's transitional period will continue for four more years. During this time, the government plans to establish new institutions, laws, and a constitution, which will be put to a public vote before elections.
Under a temporary constitution approved in March, Sharaa holds broad powers.
Humanitarian situation
The Syrian civil war killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions since 2011, with around 5 million fleeing to neighbouring countries as refugees.
The U.N. refugee agency reported Monday that approximately 1.2 million refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned home since Assad's removal.
However, declining global funding could prevent others from returning.
