- Syrian rebel forces seized Damascus, ending President Bashar al-Assad's 13-year rule
- White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan commented on the uncertainty and opportunities in Syria after Assad's fall
- Nigerians expressed admiration for the Syrian rebels but lamented the political challenges in their own country
Nigerians have reacted to the recent events in Syria, where rebel forces seized the capital, Damascus, on Sunday, December 8, effectively ending President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year rule and the decades-long dominance of the Assad family.
Many Nigerians expressed support for the Syrian rebels, praising their efforts to overthrow a dictatorship while drawing comparisons to their own country’s struggles.
Syrian rebels overthrow Assad
An X user (formerly Twitter) said, “God bless Syrians for rebelling against dictatorship and greedy regime to take back their country unlike that hopeless zoo full of over 200 million confused people.”
In the wake of the surprising shift in power, Syrian rebel leader Abu al-Golani delivered a passionate speech at Damascus's Umayyad Mosque, declaring the beginning of a new era for Syria and calling for national reconstruction.
The once-feared police state under Assad dissolved overnight. Freed prisoners emerged from jail cells, jubilant and taking to the streets. Some residents entered the presidential palace, carrying off furniture as a symbol of their victory.
White House willing to work with Syrian rebel group
Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Adviser, remarked on Monday, December 9 that the major Syrian rebel groups, including those labelled as terrorist organisations by the United States, are saying “all the right things” amid the uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“We’re going to work with all the groups in Syria, and as President Biden said yesterday, the rebel groups, including the ones that have been designated as terrorist groups, have actually said all the right things. Now the question is, what will they do to try to bring about a better Syria,” Sullivan stated.
Speaking further, he said, “There’s an opportunity to build something better in Syria, but there is concern that terrorists, jihadists and other people who do not have the United States best interests at heart, to say the least, could take advantage of this … We’re prepared to work with anyone in Syria who wants a stable, inclusive democratic future for that country.”
Nigerians react to civil war in Syria
In Nigeria, many commended the courage of the rebels. Some Nigerians drew parallels between the Syrian situation and their own political challenges. TheRadar compiled some of the reactions from Nigerians below:
“This could have bn Nigeria....but tribalis*m have eaten deep into some ppls skull....it takes UNITY to achieve this....But unfortuna*tely Nigeria isn't ONE,” Jasper Aniet Louis stated.
“This is how it should be, after rulling people with your family line for 53 years, expect retaliation,” M2HisAdam added.
“people that mean business,” Ezigbonwaigbo reacted.
“Zoo niggoria next 😠😡,” Emeka Nzeribe Jr. reacted.?
“Biafran soldiers will soon engage the Nigerian government one last time for a total freedom just like the Kurds did in Syria today,” Nnena Nkiru added.
#EndBadGovernance: Protests rock Bangladesh as Prime Minister Hasina resigns, flees office
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after a surge in nationwide unrest due to protests over government job quotas.
According to the report, the chief of army staff declared that an interim government would take over right away.