In a historic turn, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced on Monday that it is dissolving and ending its armed insurgency against the Turkish state, closing a violent chapter that spanned over 40 years and claimed more than 40,000 lives.
Founded in 1978 by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK began its armed campaign in 1984, seeking Kurdish autonomy. The group declared its dissolution following a leadership congress, stating the Kurdish issue had reached a stage where it could be resolved through democratic politics.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hailed the announcement as a major step toward long-term peace and regional stability. The move was also welcomed by officials in Syria, Iraq, and the European Union.
Ocalan, imprisoned since 1999, had earlier called on the PKK to disband and pursue political resolution. His appeal set in motion a seven-month effort that revived stalled peace talks and culminated in this declaration.
Local reactions in Turkey’s Kurdish-majority southeast were cautiously hopeful, while regional leaders, including Iraq’s Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani, praised the political maturity behind the decision. The EU and Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM party urged all sides to seize the opportunity for a lasting political solution.
While full parole for Ocalan remains unlikely, Turkish sources suggest his prison conditions may be eased. Analysts view the development as politically advantageous for President Erdogan, potentially aiding constitutional reforms and dividing opposition ahead of the 2028 elections.
The PKK’s original goal of Kurdish independence eventually shifted to demands for greater autonomy within Turkey, where Kurds make up around 20% of the population. Monday’s announcement could mark the beginning of a new era for Kurdish-Turkish relations.
