ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Nour al-Din Issa Ahmed, the new governor of Hasaka, who has been appointed by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as part of a comprehensive deal with Damascus, returned from the Syrian capital on Wednesday where he met with government officials. He was warmly welcomed by the residents of the province. He has promised to serve locals.
Residents of Hasaka city welcomed Ahmed while waving the Kurdistan flag.
Before making the visit to Damascus, Ahmed told Rudaw's Dilbixwin Dara that he initially declined the offer by SDF leader Mazloum Abdi to take the position but changed his mind after learning that his appointment was the result of a "collective" decision by all local communities.
"After that, I agreed, saying that if our people - our civilian and military bodies - place their trust in me, I am ready and hope not to disappoint them," he said, speaking from his home.
Ahmed, who has yet to be officially announced by Damascus as Hasaka’s governor, declined to provide details of his discussions with the central government, despite repeated questions from several reporters during the reception ceremony, including Rudaw’s Viviyan Fetah.
The following is the full transcript of the interview with Nour al-Din Issa Ahmed:
All Kurds were happy when you were appointed governor of Hasaka. How do you feel?
Nour al-Din Issa Ahmed: Honestly, when the decision was made, I saw it as a decision of the people. Whether military or civilian, we understood that when this decision was taken, it placed a heavy responsibility on our shoulders.
How did you learn of your appointment?
Our general commander, General Mazloum Abdi, called me and said he needed to see me. I went, and they told me they had nominated me for the governorship of Hasaka.
Did you accept immediately?
No, to be honest. I said it would be difficult. He asked why, and I explained that working with certain groups would require effort. He told me the decision was not personal, but a collective one representing both Kurds and Arabs, and that after 13 or 14 years of work among society, people believed I was suitable. After that, I agreed, saying that if our people - our civilian and military bodies - place their trust in me, I am ready and hope not to disappoint them.
You are an engineer, and your family has given 13 martyrs.
That is true. My son was martyred in Kobane, in Mashtanour.
Your son was martyred?
Yes in Mashtanour in 2014, during the October 4 attack and the battle of Mashtanour hill, he and two of his comrades stayed behind to defend the area and allow others to withdraw. They sacrificed themselves and were martyred while confronting ISIS. My brother, Martyr Sohaib, was also martyred during the liberation of Alaya prison during the fighting against the regime.
The service situation in Hasaka is very poor, and your responsibility is heavy. Can you meet people’s demands? What is your plan?
From the beginning, we know we need cooperation from experts, institutions, officials, and the people themselves. Many tasks require collective effort. One hand cannot clap alone. Serving the people and our country is the foundation… This is the first time Kurds in Rojava are administering institutions themselves, and there have been shortcomings. We must move past this stage. We are now in a new phase, and everyone must play their role and fulfill their responsibilities with a spirit of Kurdish national consciousness.
When will you go to Damascus?
I think today, or within the next day or two if all logistical preparations are complete.
Have you prepared your team?
We will go as a group. Others with responsibilities will accompany me, which I believe is better.
Will you work with the existing provincial team?
We will assess and monitor the situation. It may take a week to fully understand what exists. It is a heavy moral responsibility on my shoulders.
You are now becoming governor.
That is what is being said.
This will bring a change in your life. Will you keep wearing military clothing?
At the start, I believe working closely with civilians will allow me to better serve society. I have always been close to the people and involved in public service.
Will the governorate’s door be open to everyone?
More open than my own home. I swear by the martyrs, our door will be open to the people. No one can stop the public. This is a pledge I will honor.
