Nigeria, Dec. 10 -- The first wave of anti-government demonstrations against Bashar al-Assad erupted in 2011, marking the beginning of widespread dissent against his regime. Thirteen years later, the government that had withstood war, foreign intervention, and domestic instability finally fell. In December 2024, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced Assad's resignation, bringing an end to nearly 24 years of his rule since 2000 and concluding the Assad family's five-decade dominance over Syria. As of December 8, 2025, the first anniversary of this political transition invites critical reflection on Syria's post-authoritarian trajectory and the enduring consequences of the country's prolonged conflict.

Here is a timeline of events of the pas...