Overview and Background

Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), announced in a recent video message that PKK fighters will soon lay down their arms, marking a significant shift from armed conflict to democratic politics. This statement follows the PKK's declaration in May 2025 to disband after more than 40 years of armed struggle against the Turkish state. The announcement is seen as a crucial step towards peace in a conflict that has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since its inception in 1984.

Öcalan's message, broadcasted by the PKK-aligned Firat News Agency, is his first public appearance since his trial more than two decades ago. He emphasized the need for a "disarmament mechanism" and called for the establishment of a parliamentary committee to oversee the peace process. A ceremonial disarmament event is scheduled to take place in northern Iraq, where PKK fighters will destroy a portion of their weapons.

Key Findings

• Öcalan stated that the transition from armed conflict to democratic politics is a "historic gain."
• The PKK announced its disbandment on May 12, 2025, following Öcalan's call for disarmament in February.
• Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed optimism about the peace initiative, stating it could benefit the entire region.
• A symbolic disarmament ceremony will occur in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, involving 20 to 30 fighters, who will destroy their weapons.
• The disarmament process is expected to extend over several months, with security measures in place.

Öcalan, who has been imprisoned on İmralı Island since 1999, remains a pivotal figure for the Kurdish community despite his controversial status in Turkey. His recent statements reflect a broader trend towards resolving the long-standing Kurdish issue through political means rather than violence.

"I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons. And I call on you to put this principle into practice," Öcalan stated in his video message.

The upcoming disarmament ceremony represents a turning point in the PKK's history and could pave the way for a more peaceful coexistence in Turkey, Iraq, and the surrounding regions.