Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government on Saturday, dominated by close allies and featuring only one woman in the cabinet. The new government replaces the caretaker authorities led by Mohammad al-Bashir, who was appointed after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad on December 8.

Close Allies Retain Key Positions

Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra retained their positions in the new cabinet. Anas Khattab, the former head of general intelligence, was appointed as the interior minister.

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Veteran opposition leader Hind Kabawat, a member of Syria’s Christian minority and a longtime opponent of Assad, was named Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. She is the first woman to be appointed by Sharaa, signaling a limited effort toward inclusivity.

White Helmets Leader Joins Cabinet

Raed al-Saleh, the head of the White Helmets, a group that conducted rescue operations in rebel-held areas, was appointed Minister of Emergency Situations and Disasters.

Government Formation Amid Sectarian Tensions

The announcement comes amid growing international pressure for an inclusive transition following the sectarian violence that erupted earlier this month. Fighting between Assad’s Alawite community and Sunni militias resulted in civilian massacres, raising concerns over minority protection.

HTS Leader at the Helm

Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led Assad’s overthrow, took office as interim president in late January. He recently signed a constitutional declaration that regulates Syria’s five-year transitional period, but critics warn that the declaration concentrates power in his hands and lacks sufficient safeguards for minority communities.

Concerns Over Minority Rights

Rights groups have raised concerns over the new government’s composition, warning that it lacks adequate representation for minority groups and risks further marginalizing vulnerable communities.