According to a report from China Media Group on May 12 local time, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has officially announced its dissolution and the end of over 40 years of armed struggle.
Earlier this month, the PKK held a congress in northern Iraq, focusing on the call by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan to "lay down arms and achieve peace."
The congress took place from May 5 to 7. On May 9, the PKK issued a statement confirming the formal termination of its organizational structure and armed activities.
PKK Leader Calls on Fighters to Lay Down Arms
On February 27, Abdullah Öcalan, who is imprisoned, issued a statement urging all PKK fighters to lay down their arms and called for the party to disband. He also stated he would take historical responsibility for this move.
Turkish officials described Öcalan’s remarks as the start of a "new era." Kurdish authorities in neighboring Iraq and Syria welcomed the development, while the U.S., Germany, and other Western countries also expressed support.
Ceasefire and Disbandment Officially Announced
On March 1, the PKK declared a ceasefire and announced its decision to respond to Öcalan’s appeal by laying down arms and dissolving the organization.
The PKK stated that from that day on, its fighters would cease hostilities as long as they are not attacked and would disband under Öcalan’s leadership.
The PKK also demanded the Turkish government release Öcalan, allowing him to return to a normal life and assume leadership, stating that only under his guidance can the process be completed.
Öcalan was arrested by the Turkish government in 1999 and has since been held on İmralı Island near Istanbul. In October 2012, Turkey began negotiations with Öcalan to launch a peace process aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue.
Founded in 1979, the PKK sought to establish an independent Kurdish state through armed struggle in Kurdish-populated areas across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Over four decades of conflict with the Turkish government left tens of thousands dead. The PKK is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the U.S.
This dissolution marks a major turning point in the region’s peace process.
