Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants have declared an immediate ceasefire, heeding jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call for disarmament and dissolution of the group. The move could have significant implications for Turkey, ending a 40-year insurgency that has killed over 40,000 people.
Ocalan on Thursday called on the PKK to lay down its arms, echoing President Tayyip Erdogan’s earlier statement. If successful, the ceasefire could give Erdogan a domestic boost and an opportunity to bring peace to southeast Turkey. However, it is unclear whether Ankara will address the necessary conditions for Ocalan to lead the disarmament process.
The group stated that they would halt all hostilities unless attacked and are willing to convene a congress with security conditions in place. The ceasefire comes after previous attempts at peace talks ended in increased violence.
Ocalan’s demands, including physical freedom and living conditions, have been welcomed by Western allies but met with skepticism by the Turkish government. Analysts believe that Erdogan is focused on domestic political dividends from ending the conflict, which could lead to a historic opportunity for peace in southeast Turkey.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/kurdish-pkk-militia-says-it-will-heed-jailed-leaders-peace-call-declare-2025-03-01