International donors pledged €5.8bn in aid to rebuild Syria after the ousting of Assad. This includes contributions from nations like Germany and Britain, while heightened violence and US budget cuts present challenges. The EU calls for accountability from new Syrian leaders while emphasizing the need for collective financial support amid a dire humanitarian crisis.
International donors convened in Brussels, pledging nearly €6 billion ($6.5 billion) to support Syria’s rebuilding after President Bashar Assad was ousted. The commitment aims to stabilize the nation following 14 years of civil war, which led to a significant refugee crisis. Notably, for the first time, Syrian interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani attended the conference amidst ongoing violence that has dampened confidence in the new authorities.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels would enhance its support to approximately €2.5 billion for this year and next, emphasizing the need for assistance to all Syrians, whether abroad or returning home. The total pledge includes €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in low-interest loans.
Individual countries made significant contributions, with Germany pledging €300 million and Britain offering €192 million. Despite last year’s total of €7.5 billion in aid, current efforts are hindered by budget cuts to the US foreign aid program initiated by former President Donald Trump. US representatives indicated they have historically provided substantial support but made no new pledges.
French and German diplomats are advocating for a fresh relationship with the new Syrian leadership, emphasizing collective financial responsibility among nations. EU Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib remarked on the necessity for burden-sharing due to reduced US contributions.
The Syrian authorities, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, are actively seeking assistance for recovery. The EU has made some progress by easing sanctions; however, they insist on a genuine commitment from the new government for an inclusive transition. Shibani has requested additional measures to facilitate recovery efforts, while also asserting the need for accountability for past violence.
Syria requires significant assistance, with the UN estimating around 16.7 million people still in need due to the extensive devastation resulting from years of conflict and isolation. The EU has directed its previous donor drives primarily towards aiding refugees in neighboring regions, avoiding direct ties to the Assad regime, but the situation calls for urgent attention to the humanitarian crisis within the country.
The recent pledges by international donors signal a critical commitment to aid Syria’s recovery after a prolonged civil war. Despite substantial contributions and a unified call for action, challenges persist, particularly due to the scaling back of US foreign aid. The new Syrian leadership’s promises for inclusive governance raise hopes, but immediate humanitarian needs must be addressed effectively to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
