SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced on Monday that it has officially dissolved its organizational structure and ended its armed campaign against the Turkish state, marking a dramatic end to more than four decades of conflict. The announcement was made following the group’s 12th congress, according to the PKK-affiliated Firat News Agency (ANF).
PKK’s 12th congress. Credit: ANF
“The 12th PKK Congress has decided to dissolve the PKK’s organisational structure and end its method of armed struggle,” the statement read.
The move comes in response to a February call by PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on Turkey’s Imrali Island since 1999. In a letter sent from prison, Ocalan urged the group to disarm and formally disband through a congress decision.
PKK’s 12th congress. Credit: ANF
Shortly afterward, PKK leadership declared a unilateral ceasefire, indicating its willingness to heed Ocalan’s appeal. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted over the weekend that a major development could be imminent, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism. “We are advancing with firm steps on the path to the goal of a terror-free Turkey,” he said.
PKK’s 12th congress. Credit: ANF
Founded in 1978, the PKK began its armed struggle in 1984 with the stated goal of achieving Kurdish autonomy. The decades-long conflict has claimed thousands lives and left deep political and social consequences in the region.
PKK’s 12th congress. Credit: ANF
Monday’s announcement is seen as a major turning point in the region, though questions remain about how the dissolution will be implemented on the ground and what it means for Kurdish political aspirations in the region.