Syria Monthly Report

Summary

Cholera has spread throughout Syria, with cases reported across all zones of control. UNOCHA has reported 10,093 suspected cases in Syria on 30 September spanning 13 out of 14 governorates with the country’s northeast being the hardest hit. Unclean water in water trucks (sourced from the Euphrates), waste-water (sewage) irrigation for crops, and contaminated vegetables have all been put forward as causes of the spread. The various de facto administrations have responded, while the UN and other humanitarian organizations have called for increased international support.

In south and central Syria, economic woes continue as the Central Bank devalues the official exchange rate to 3,015 SYP to the dollar. This has led to a 9% depreciation of the unofficial rate. Fuel prices continue to rise and subsidies fall, despite apparently sufficient supply and production – reasons for this are unclear, however could be linked to attempts to reduce government spending.

Local council elections were also held in south and central Syria, apparently to extend decentralization throughout government-controlled areas. Rumors of widespread nepotism, voter fraud and a lack of transparency and accountability in the process appeared par for the course for citizens, with many viewing the elections with apathy.

In northeast Syria, ISIS attacks continue, with the Syrian Democratic Forces launching counterattacks in attempts to stabilize security. A new SDF operation in Al-Hol camp tried to deal with increasingly violent events between residents.

The Autonomous Administration has closed a number of government-run schools, claiming illegal activity. The majority Arab population in the northeast have protested the closures, claiming the Administration’s curriculum is incompatible with their beliefs and values.

The Syrian Salvation Government has introduced two new measures: the first was to ban graduates from government universities from being employed in public positions, giving priority to graduates within its jurisdiction. The second was to announce the introduction of ID cards for civilians – it remains to be seen whether these will be distributed, where and by whom they will be recognized, and if they will prove useful. IDPs in particular are interested if they will provide official ID for registration to receive aid.

Finally, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has dispersed a caravan of people, organized within Idleb, traveling towards the Turkish border with a plan to continue to Europe. This new commitment to upholding border control is seen to be an extension of the group’s attempts to appear a legitimate governing force in the northwest.