In a historic development, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced its decision to disband and end its armed struggle against the Turkish state, concluding a conflict that has spanned over four decades and resulted in more than 40,000 deaths. This decision was made during the PKK's 12th congress, held in early May 2025 in the border region between Iraq and Iran. This move follows a call from the group's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, who in February urged the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve itself.

Founded on November 27, 1978, by Abdullah Öcalan and a group of university students in Diyarbakır, Turkey, the PKK initially sought to establish an independent Kurdish state. Over time, the group's objectives shifted towards seeking autonomy and increased political and cultural rights for Kurds within Turkey. The PKK has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, the European Union, and other countries.

Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK's founder and leader, has been imprisoned since 1999. In February 2025, he called for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve itself, stating, "I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility for this call."

The decision to disband was made during the PKK's 12th congress, held in early May 2025 in the border region between Iraq and Iran. The group concluded that Kurdish issues could be resolved through democratic means and decided to dissolve its military structure and cease all activities.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the PKK's decision, viewing it as a significant step toward peace and stability. The Turkish government is preparing measures to oversee the disarmament process, including supervision by Turkish intelligence services. Plans are in place for the surrender of weapons at designated points in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, and for the reintegration of combatants without blood crimes, while senior leaders may be relocated to third countries.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism both domestically and internationally. In Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast, there is hope for a new era of peace and democratization. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has expressed support for the move. Neighboring countries, including Iraq and Iran, have also welcomed the decision. Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, stated, "We warmly welcome Öcalan’s message... and we call on the PKK to adhere to and implement this message."

The PKK's disbandment is expected to have broad political and security implications for Turkey and neighboring countries, including Iraq and Syria. It could lead to increased stability and open avenues for resolving Kurdish issues through political means. However, uncertainties remain regarding the future of PKK fighters and the potential for splinter groups to continue armed activities.

The news of the PKK's disbandment has had a positive impact on Turkish financial markets. Turkish stocks surged by 3%, international bonds saw gains, and the Turkish lira appreciated by 1.3% against the euro. This development, coupled with a global market rally after a U.S.-China tariff deal, has bolstered investor confidence.

The PKK's armed struggle began on August 15, 1984, targeting Turkish security forces. Over the decades, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and strained Turkey's economy and social fabric. Previous attempts at ceasefires and peace talks, including the 2013 "Solution Process," have failed. The current decision to disband marks the first time the PKK has officially approved its dissolution, potentially signaling a definitive end to the conflict.

The PKK's disbandment represents a pivotal moment in Turkey's history, offering a chance for lasting peace and the resolution of Kurdish issues through democratic processes. The success of this transition will depend on the effective implementation of disarmament measures and the commitment of all parties to a peaceful future.