Amid Widespread Objections in Sweida... Controversy Escalates Over the Constitutional Declaration
The Druze community's rejection of the new Syrian constitution reflects the widening gap between Syrian components and the authorities, amid demands for reforms that achieve broader representation for
March 14, 2025, 9:20 pm

Amid Widespread Objections in Sweida... Controversy Escalates Over the Constitutional Declaration

Photo by Ahmed akacha: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-on-protest-in-syria-10629480/

The new constitutional declaration in Syria has provoked varied reactions, most notably the categorical rejection by the Druze Unitarian community, who expressed their opposition to what they described as a constitution that does not reflect their national aspirations.

In this context, the spiritual leader of the community, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, emphasized his rejection, saying: "No reconciliation and no agreement with the authorities in Damascus," considering that the government practices an extremist approach, confirming that members of the Druze community will not accept any decisions that ignore their rights.

This position comes amid growing fears that the new constitution will grant expanded powers to the president during a transitional period extending for five years, which raises concerns among various Syrian components, who see this step as an attempt to strengthen absolute rule instead of enhancing political pluralism.

According to civil activist Moatasem Al-Aflaq in his interview with "Sky News Arabia," there is a clear division regarding the constitutional declaration, where he said: "The constitution was hastily passed, granting the president broad powers, which has caused general discontent extending from Sweida to various parts of the country," adding that "the transitional period was initially set at three months, then extended to a year, and now has reached five years, in a move that reflects clear manipulation of dates to ensure the continuation of power without real participation."

Regarding the legal aspect, Al-Aflaq pointed out that the new constitution stipulates the principle of equality among citizens, but at the same time specified that the president's religion must be Islam, which he considered a clear contradiction between declared principles and the existing political reality, explaining that "many provisions of the constitution do not reflect the aspirations of Syrians and lack the spirit of true reform."

Al-Aflaq rejected any claims that Sheikh Al-Hijri's position is sectarian, confirming that "his position reflects a national orientation demanding justice and equality, not a sectarian discourse as some try to portray it," noting that "the approval of the constitution amid continuing conflict and casualties in some Syrian regions makes it lack legitimacy, as no real national consensus has been reached on it."

With the rise of popular anger, questions emerge about future steps that the Druze community might take, where Al-Aflaq explained that "the Druze are not seeking separation as some promote, but are working to pressure for a more inclusive constitution that ensures representation of all components of Syrian society," expressing concern that imposing the constitution in its current form could lead to escalating internal tensions.

In another context, the topic of Druze sheikhs' visits to the Golan has sparked significant controversy, where Al-Aflaq explained that "these visits are purely religious and do not carry any political dimensions," noting that "communication between the Golan and Sweida has existed for decades, and these visits have roots in old traditions of the Druze community."

As for the Israeli position on the Druze, Al-Aflaq addressed statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through which he tried to win over members of the community in the Golan, considering them "mere electoral propaganda," adding that "Netanyahu has not provided the Druze with any tangible changes, and a large part of the Golan residents still refuse to carry Israeli identity, reflecting the failure of these attempts to change their position."

With the continuing debate over the new constitution, the Syrian political scene remains open to several possibilities, whether through escalating popular protests, or through the authority's attempt to contain the crisis through formal amendments that do not change the existing reality, while the position of the Druze community remains an influential factor in determining the future of balances within the country in the next stage.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.