The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has solemnly declared the conclusion of its 12th congress, announcing on Monday a sweeping end to all operations conducted under its name—including its long-standing, violent armed campaign against the Turkish government.
Following the emotionally charged gathering held Friday in northern Iraq, the PKK proclaimed it had made “historic and transformative” decisions. According to the Firat News Agency—a media outlet closely aligned with the group—a passionately worded statement from the group’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, was presented during the congress. His message, filled with urgency and reflection, laid out his visionary perspectives and comprehensive proposals for the future.
Ocalan, who has been incarcerated since 1999, had previously made a heartfelt appeal in February, urging the PKK to completely abandon its decades-long armed struggle and voluntarily dissolve itself in a dramatic step toward resolving the deeply entrenched conflict. This bitter and bloody conflict has tragically claimed more than 40,000 lives since erupting in the 1980s.
Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by Turkey and most Western nations, the PKK had swiftly declared a ceasefire shortly after Ocalan’s call. However, they attached firm and specific conditions to their disbandment—most notably, the creation of a clear legal framework to enable credible peace negotiations.
Uncertainty now hovers over the future of the PKK’s remaining militants, particularly concerning the delicate issue of potential relocation to foreign countries. So far, no clear or confirmed details have emerged regarding possible concessions or assurances the group might receive in return for its disbandment.
Founded in 1978, the PKK launched a fiercely determined separatist insurgency in southeastern Turkey in 1984. Over the years, its fighters used deadly suicide bombings and strategic guerrilla tactics, targeting military posts, government institutions, and even Turkish diplomatic missions abroad in a devastating campaign that left a long-lasting impact.
