Barjam Jodi

Kobani_ On April 9, the Mayor of Kobani, Almaz Rumi, her deputies, and memders of the administrative council officially assumed their duties as part of the plan to integrate institutions and bodies in Rojava into the Syrian interim government.

In her statement to our agency, the Mayor of Kobani, Almaz Rumi, affirmed that "the agreements and integration work are taking shape" and that "attacks and wars previously hindered all work in the city."

She said that the agreements have begun to take a practical form. "In the January 29 agreement, one of the main clauses was integration, and its work has been underway for some time. In the cities of Rojava and Kurdistan, this agreement is gradually being realized. Especially in Kobani, the first step of administrative integration was the appointment of the municipality presidency and the administrative council. Now, seven of us have been officially appointed by the Aleppo governor, and we have started our work and are ready to carry out our duties."

"Attacks and wars hindered all work"

Almaz Rumi noted the general situation in Kobani, pointing out that the city has suffered for many years from continuous attacks and has always been in a state of reconstruction. "The city of Kobani has always been under siege, and its infrastructure has been periodically destroyed due to attacks. There has never been an opportunity to fully complete reconstruction projects. Now, the new municipal team bears the same responsibility: providing services to the city and its residents, and working collectively to rebuild and repair it. Our people have suffered for a long time, and it is time to take significant steps together."

"The municipal system will maintain itself"

Almaz Rumi affirmed that the municipality will maintain its system, with partial dependence on the Aleppo governorate in some aspects. "Our current system is undergoing a phase of change and transformation. As a municipality, we will maintain our system, but regarding the budget, there will be a connection to the Aleppo governorate. At the same time, we prioritize the urgent implementation of necessary projects, along with completing unfinished projects. We have many projects. We will start by meeting basic service needs, then work on implementing the remaining projects."

"We will support all women"

She touched on her appointment, noting that this is the first time a woman has been appointed as mayor by the interim government. "This was noticeable to many because, under the current situation, it is believed that women's presence within the Syrian system would not be possible. Therefore, this is also important and special for us."

She explained, "Currently, there are three women on the committee: myself as president, and two women as members of the administrative council. Accordingly, we will make women's issues, conditions, and projects a foundation of our work, and through this responsibility, we will seek to support every woman."

"We will protect our will and steadfastness everywhere"

She also highlighted the importance of women's presence within the administrative system, affirming that women are capable of facing challenges and bearing responsibility. "As active figures, we have been working in this field for many years. Through our experience, we see that institutions where women's identity and role are fundamental are successful institutions. We will once again show our presence through our will and steadfastness in this work, and we will be a source of inspiration and strength for other women."

"We are determined and resolved to succeed"

The Mayor of Kobani, Almaz Rumi, concluded her speech by affirming their determination to succeed in their work. "Today, attention is directed toward the municipality's work and its new administration, because the municipality is an important institution connected to society, and its work is of great value. We, as the municipal team, especially as women, are determined in our decisions. Through our steadfastness and work, we will serve our city and our people, realize their trust, and turn it into success."