Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announces dissolution, paving the way for peace in Turkey after 40 years of insurgency, following jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call to disarm.
In a historic move, Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declares its decision to disband and end its armed struggle, potentially concluding four decades of conflict with Turkey that has claimed over 40,000 lives. The announcement, reported by Firat News Agency on May 12, 2025, follows a February call by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to lay down arms and dissolve the group.
The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey and Western allies, revealed the decision after its 12th Congress in northern Iraq, describing it as a “historic” step toward peace. “The PKK has completed its historical mission,” the group stated, emphasizing a shift to resolving Kurdish issues through democratic politics.
A New Era for Turkey-Kurdish Relations
The dissolution signals a potential turning point for Turkey, where Kurds constitute 15-20% of the population. Turkish officials welcomed the move, with Omer Celik, spokesman for the Justice and Development (AK) Party, stating, “If terrorism is completely eradicated, it will open the door to a new era.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration views the decision as a step toward a “terror-free Turkey.”
The peace initiative, launched in October 2024 by Erdogan’s ally Devlet Bahceli, includes proposals for Ocalan’s potential parole if the PKK renounces violence. However, details on disarmament, the fate of PKK fighters, and the process’s legal framework remain unclear.
Regional Implications Amid Shifting Dynamics
The PKK’s disbandment could stabilize not only Turkey but also northern Iraq and Syria, where Kurdish forces linked to the PKK operate. Nechirvan Barzani, president of Iraq’s Kurdish region, hailed the move as a boost to regional stability. However, the decision’s impact on Syria’s Kurdish YPG militia, considered a PKK affiliate by Turkey, remains uncertain, with the YPG previously distancing itself from Ocalan’s ceasefire call.
The announcement coincides with regional changes, including a new Syrian administration and ongoing conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, which may have influenced the PKK’s strategic shift.
Challenges Ahead for Peace Process
While the PKK’s dissolution offers hope, challenges persist. The group conditioned disarmament on Ankara’s approach to Kurdish rights, and no clear plan exists for weapon handovers or the relocation of fighters. Turkish officials stressed that the decision must apply to all PKK branches and affiliates to ensure lasting peace.
In Diyarbakir, a Kurdish-majority city, residents expressed cautious optimism. “It’s important that people don’t die anymore,” said Hasan Huseyin Ceylan, a local, highlighting the desire for a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue.
A Historic Opportunity
The PKK’s decision marks a critical juncture after intermittent peace efforts, including a failed 2013-2015 ceasefire. Erdogan, who has pursued peace to bolster his political legacy, described the dissolution as a “historic opportunity” in February. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, instrumental in facilitating Ocalan’s call, urged Turkey to adopt a new approach to Kurdish rights.
As Turkey navigates this delicate transition, the world watches to see if this milestone will usher in lasting peace and reshape the region’s future.