Title: “Rebuilding Raqqa: The continuing challenges after liberation”
Introduction: Raqqa, symbol of Syria’s tragic destiny, experienced years of violence and suffering under the rule of the Islamic State before being liberated in 2017. Since then, the city has painfully tried to rebuild and regain a normal life. However, despite the efforts made, many challenges persist and hamper the process of rebuilding Raqqa.
1. Critical infrastructure: Rebuilt, but problems remain
After the liberation of the city, essential infrastructure was partially rebuilt, allowing life to return to normal. However, many problems persist, such as fear of Islamist attacks, tensions between the Kurdish and Arab populations, rising oil prices, water shortages and the food emergency. These challenges make it difficult to normalize daily life for residents of Raqqa.
2. The Civil Council of Raqqa: Between hopes and financial difficulties
The Raqqa Civil Council, set up to manage and rebuild the city, aimed to create an equitable and radiant model for the entire region. However, the passage of the Caesar Act by the US Congress in 2020 placed significant financial pressure on Syria, making it more difficult to rebuild the city. Construction sites and social projects are slow, and only 50% of the city has been rebuilt to date. This situation leads to a deterioration of the social fabric and an increase in poverty.
3. The economic consequences: A declining Syrian pound and a desperate population
The devaluation of the Syrian pound and the economic emergency are having an impact on the entire population of Raqqa. Wages have fallen, children are forced to work in construction sites instead of going to school and the population faces extreme poverty. This economic instability risks creating fertile ground for the resurgence of radical groups, such as the Islamic State, which remain present in the country.
Conclusion: Despite the efforts made to rebuild Raqqa, many challenges persist and hamper the process of rebuilding the city. Financial pressure, social and economic tensions exacerbated by the war and the presence of radical groups make it difficult for the residents of Raqqa to return to normal life. However, it is crucial to continue supporting the reconstruction of Raqqa and providing humanitarian assistance to help the population rebuild their lives and recover from this dark period in Syria’s history.