Kathmandu— Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former leader of the now-dissolved Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an advisor to the Presidency of the Republic. The appointment, formalized through Decree No. 164 on Thursday and reported by state news agency Sana, comes just three days after Abdi announced the SDF’s dissolution and its integration into the Syrian military. This move represents a significant step in President al-Sharaa's efforts to reassert central government control over all Syrian territory following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and formalizes an agreement initially reached in March 2025.

SDF Dissolution and Integration

Abdi’s appointment follows the completion of the SDF's integration with the Syrian military. The process had stalled before a year-end deadline, leading to clashes between state forces and the SDF in January, resulting in government control over Raqqa and Deir Az Zor. A subsequent ceasefire established central government authority over those cities, as well as Hasakah, under a 14-point plan committing the SDF to join both the defense and interior ministries.

Kurdish Representation in Government

Mazloum Abdi is now the most senior Kurdish figure appointed to a state post. Earlier this year, another commander was made assistant defence minister for the eastern region. However, not all Kurdish-led forces have been fully integrated; the YPJ, the SDF’s women’s units, requested inclusion in the defense ministry but were informed that existing army structures do not accommodate separate female units.

Recognition of Kurdish Rights

Alongside military integration, President al-Sharaa issued a decree in January recognizing Kurdish as a national language and restoring citizenship to Syrian Kurds. This marked the first formal recognition of Kurdish rights since Syria’s independence in 1946. The dissolution of the SDF, which was the largest force remaining outside the army, effectively gives Damascus formal authority over nearly all Syrian territory.

Previous Attempts at Integration

President al-Sharaa initially proposed a more prominent role for Abdi in January, suggesting he become deputy defense minister and governor of Hasakah province to restore state control over the SDF-controlled provincial capital. The initial agreement to fold the SDF into the central government was reached in March 2025 but saw limited progress before the deadline.

With the SDF now formally integrated, President al-Sharaa continues his efforts to reunify Syria, a central promise made after the overthrow of former leader Bashar al-Assad.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.