Macron raises concerns over escalating violence in talks with Syrian president

Sunday 18 January 2026 - 15:00

By: Sahili Aya

Macron raises concerns over escalating violence in talks with Syrian president

French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on Sunday with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, during which he expressed France’s concern over the escalation of violence in Syria amid ongoing military operations.

In a statement shared on social media, Macron said he conveyed his worries about the continuation of the offensive led by Syrian authorities, as government forces have pushed Kurdish-led groups out of several cities and strategic areas.

The French president stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire and called for renewed efforts to reach an agreement on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian state. He referred to a framework agreement signed in March 2025, aimed at incorporating Kurdish forces into the central administration, noting that its implementation has stalled.

The situation in northern and northeastern Syria has raised international concern, with renewed clashes threatening regional stability and humanitarian conditions.