Wafric News – May 12, 2025

In a potentially historic development for regional peace, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has declared its decision to disband and end its armed activities, marking what could be the conclusion of a conflict that has spanned more than four decades across Türkiye and its neighboring territories.

The announcement, first reported by the Firat News Agency — a media outlet affiliated with the group — follows a pivotal congress held in northern Iraq that concluded late last week. During the meeting, the PKK leadership adopted what they described as “historic” resolutions aimed at transitioning from armed resistance to a democratic and political path.

Central to this shift was a renewed message from jailed PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, whose written statement was reportedly read during the congress. In his message, Öcalan reiterated his February call for the group to lay down arms in favor of dialogue and political engagement.

"The PKK has fulfilled its historical mission and will now dissolve its organizational structure," a PKK statement said, as published by Firat on Monday. “From this point forward, all activities carried out under the name 'PKK' will be terminated.”

The group emphasized that its armed struggle had played a critical role in challenging long-standing efforts to deny Kurdish identity and rights, but added that the current context demands a transition to peace.

Ankara responded with cautious optimism. A spokesperson for Türkiye’s ruling AK Party, as quoted by Anadolu Agency, said the disbandment — if fully implemented — could be a “turning point” in Türkiye’s efforts to eliminate domestic and cross-border terrorism.

A New Political Chapter?

The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been locked in conflict with the Turkish state since the early 1980s. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and violence has often spilled over into northern Iraq and Syria.

Although the PKK announced a ceasefire shortly after Öcalan’s February appeal, it had outlined several conditions for a full withdrawal, including the creation of a legal framework to support peace negotiations and the recognition of Kurdish political rights.

In its latest statement, the PKK voiced confidence that Kurdish society would support the decision, calling on political actors and civil society to "take responsibility for advancing Kurdish democracy."

“The Kurdish people will embrace this transition to peace and democracy,” the group stated. “Our dissolution is a strategic step to ensure a broader democratic transformation.”

Regional Implications

The announcement comes amid significant shifts in the region’s geopolitical dynamics. The formation of a new administration in Syria, weakening of Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have all contributed to a changing security landscape in which armed insurgencies may be losing ground.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s coalition partner, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, has played a behind-the-scenes role in the peace push. In October, he proposed that Öcalan could be considered for parole if the PKK were to fully renounce violence and dissolve.

Erdoğan himself described the disbandment talks as a “historic opportunity” to end decades of unrest.

Still, key questions remain unanswered, including the future of thousands of PKK fighters, some of whom are based in remote mountainous areas in Iraq. Reports suggest the possibility of relocation to third countries, though no official details have been confirmed.

Analysts say the full impact of the PKK’s decision will depend on how it is implemented and whether trust can be rebuilt between Ankara and Kurdish communities after years of bloodshed.


By WafricNews Desk.