PKK’s Disarmament: A Turning Point in the Kurdish Struggle

In a historic move, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has declared its decision to disband and pursue peace through democratic means. Founded in 1978 and rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, the PKK had been engaged in a prolonged insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, seeking autonomy for Türkiye’s Kurdish population.

The disarmament follows an internal congress held in northern Iraq in May 2025 and was symbolised by the ceremonial laying down of arms by 30 PKK fighters in Sulaymaniyah on July 11. The initiative was inspired by the imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, who issued a statement from Imrali Island prison supporting peaceful resolution and democratic confederalism—a political model favouring localised, egalitarian governance.

“There is no alternative to democracy in the pursuit and realisation of a political system,” Ocalan declared, advocating for the end of armed resistance.

Türkiye’s Political Shift and Peace Hopes

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan acknowledged the disarmament, announcing a parliamentary commission to address the legal roadmap for a lasting peace. He also admitted past state actions had fuelled conflict, noting that Türkiye spent nearly $2 trillion over the decades-long war with the PKK.

This shift marks a rare moment of political consensus across ideological lines. Talks had been initiated with pro-Kurdish lawmakers from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) and facilitated by ultra-nationalist MP Devlet Bahçeli—underscoring the gravity of the peace initiative.

Regional Complexity: Disarming One Arm of a Multi-Limbed Struggle

Despite the announcement, disarmament remains incomplete. Ocalan’s appeal extended to all Kurdish militias—especially PKK affiliates operating in Syria (PYD/YPG), Iran (PJAK), and Iraq (PCDK). These groups operate under the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), a political umbrella organisation. However, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with links to the PKK, have refused to disarm.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi acknowledged Ocalan’s decision but clarified it does not bind Syrian Kurdish forces, particularly amidst ongoing conflict and political uncertainty in Syria. In Iran and Iraq, too, PKK-linked factions remain active and defiant.

Peace vs. Peril: Fragile Prospects

While the disarmament has kindled hopes of democratic inclusion, challenges loom. Attacks by drone explosives on oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan in the aftermath of the PKK’s disbandment highlight security risks and possible power vacuums.

Moreover, the fragmented nature of Kurdish political identity—spread across four countries without a state of their own—means that Ocalan’s vision may inspire but cannot dictate terms across borders.

The Syrian opposition’s demand for SDF disarmament, and the reluctance of some groups to follow suit, suggest that regional peace requires a broader political and security consensus. For now, PKK’s disarmament is a step forward—but not yet a resolution.