PKK announces dissolution, ends 40-year armed struggle

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has officially declared the dissolution of its organization and the end of its decades-long armed struggle, signaling a pivotal moment in the conflict that has plagued Turkey and its border regions since the 1984s.

The announcement was made during the PKK's 12th Congress, held from May 5 to 7 at undisclosed locations in northern Iraq. According to the final declaration, released on May 12 by the Congress Board, the decision reflects the group's belief that it has fulfilled its historical mission and advanced the Kurdish issue to a point where it can now be resolved through democratic means.

As part of the Congress resolution, the PKK has committed to ceasing all activities under its name. The disarmament and transition process will be overseen by Abdullah Ocalan, the group's imprisoned leader and ideological figurehead. Ocalan, who has been held in solitary confinement on Imrali Island since his capture in 1999, had called for the group's disbandment earlier this year, in February 2025.

This decision comes amid increased military pressure from Turkey’s government and the emergence of a new political opening in Ankara.

The Turkish government welcomed the announcement. Omer Çelik, spokesperson for the Justice and Development Party (AKP), described it as “the opening of a new era” in Turkish politics. Writing on X, Çelik highlighted that the move toward a “terror-free Turkey” could create an opportunity for revitalized political dialogue, strengthen democracy, and foster national unity.

Çelik also emphasized that legitimate political institutions, particularly the Grand National Assembly, should now serve as the primary forum for resolving long-standing issues, urging all citizens to embrace a common identity under the Republic of Turkey.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, has been responsible for a devastating conflict that has claimed an estimated 40,000 lives. Its activities have frequently spilled over into neighboring Syria and Iraq, further complicating regional stability.