PKK Announces Its Dissolution and End of Armed Struggle

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced a historic decision at the conclusion of its 12th congress, held from May 5 to 7, 2025: to dissolve its organizational structure and end its armed struggle. This move comes in response to the initiative launched by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27.

In its final statement, the party declared that it considers its historical mission fulfilled in bringing the Kurdish issue to a stage where a democratic solution is possible. The next phase, it said, will be overseen by Öcalan and will focus on building a democratic society and peaceful political engagement.

The statement emphasized that the PKK was founded in the context of policies of denial and extermination targeting the Kurdish people, and that its armed struggle—launched in 1978—was a legitimate form of resistance. However, current regional and international developments, along with the evolution of the “democratic nation” model, now call for a transition to political participation and civil organization.

The party called on the Kurdish people—especially women and youth—to play a leading role in the coming phase. It also appealed to Turkish and international political and social forces to contribute to the peace process.