The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has declared an immediate ceasefire, following a call to disarm by its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan two days ago. The declaration, if accepted by Turkey, could bring about the end of decades-long conflict that has killed at least 40,000 people and affected neighboring countries.
According to the PKK Executive Committee, they agree with Ocalan’s call and will comply with its requirements. The committee described the call as a “manifesto” for forces of freedom and democracy. However, they emphasized that democratic politics and legal grounds must also be in place for the political process to be successful.
The conflict between the PKK and Turkey has been ongoing for nearly five decades, mainly centered on establishing an independent Kurdish state in the southeast. In recent years, the group has sought more autonomy within Turkey instead. Ocalan’s call marks a major turning point, with far-reaching implications for the Middle East.
In 1978, Ocalan founded the PKK, which was captured by Turkish authorities in 1999. Despite being sentenced to life in prison, at least three delegations have visited him in recent months. Kurds make up around 15-20% of Turkey’s population and have a significant presence in northern Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
The ceasefire comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks support for his bid to run for a third term in the 2028 elections. Experts note that this move requires a two-thirds majority vote in parliament, which could be influenced by the pro-Kurdish DEM party’s lawmakers who liaised between Ocalan and government officials.
Ocalan’s previous attempts at disarmament were unsuccessful, but his current call has recharged prospects for Kurdish-Turkish peace. A similar call was made about a decade ago, but it collapsed due to tensions reigniting the conflict. Erdogan’s relationship with Kurds has been complex, with him initially granting them more rights and reversing restrictions on their language.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/01/europe/kurds-turkey-pkk-ceasefire-hnk-intl/index.html