Afrin Hosts Community Dialogue to Enhance Security and Civil Peace

A community dialogue session took place on Sunday in the city of Afrin, located in the northern countryside of Aleppo, aimed at improving security performance and reinforcing civil peace. The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Stability Support Unit, brought together representatives from the ministry, local dignitaries, legal experts, and members of the community.
The initiative was designed as a platform for residents to voice their observations and concerns regarding local security operations. By fostering direct communication between the state institutions and the public, the organizers aim to identify areas for improvement and address specific administrative or security-related challenges.
Nour al-Din al-Baba, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, stated that the session aligns with the ministry’s commitment to transparency and public engagement. He noted that the discussions were productive, allowing authorities to gather feedback that is essential for refining security protocols and ensuring that security services meet the evolving needs of the local population. According to al-Baba, the goal is to enhance the professional standard of security personnel while maintaining a service-oriented approach to public safety.
From the perspective of the Stability Support Unit, Executive Director Munther Sallal highlighted that the dialogue is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between internal security forces and the residents of various communities, including Afrin, Al-Ashrafiyah, and Al-Shuyukh. He emphasized that building these communication channels is vital for supporting the return of displaced persons and strengthening overall social cohesion within the region.
Local participants, including legal activist Jawan Hamza, underscored the significance of these sessions in creating a structured environment where the state can address the grievances and demands of the local population. Residents, including Kifah Murad, expressed that continuing such dialogues is essential for fostering a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding between the community and security institutions.
This event marks the second community dialogue session held in the Afrin area. A previous meeting took place on August 1 in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafiyah. These engagements are part of an ongoing process to involve local civil society, community leaders, and academic figures in discussions regarding security and public services. By prioritizing the identification of local needs and setting clear development priorities, authorities hope to create the necessary conditions for the sustainable return of displaced people to their homes and the long-term stabilization of the area.
