The PKK announced a ceasefire with Turkey following a call from their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to disarm. The ceasefire aims to foster peace after decades of conflict that have resulted in over 40,000 deaths. PKK demands Ocalan’s release for effective participation in democratic processes, amidst increasing political pressure on pro-Kurdish parties in Turkey.
On March 1, 2025, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated Kurdish militant organization, announced a ceasefire with Turkey. This decision follows an appeal from the PKK’s jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, urging the group to disarm. Since commencing its insurgency in 1984, the PKK has sought autonomy for the Kurdish population, which constitutes approximately 20% of Turkey’s 85 million citizens.
The ceasefire declaration was disseminated via the pro-PKK media outlet ANF, stating, “In order to pave the way for the implementation of leader Apo’s call for peace and democratic society, we are declaring a ceasefire effective from today.” The PKK specified that its forces would abstain from armed actions unless they were provoked or attacked.
Ocalan, who has been incarcerated since 1999, has initiated a pivotal shift towards peace, which could potentially stem decades of violence that has resulted in over 40,000 fatalities. While previous peace negotiations in 2015 ended in failure, recent discussions involving Kurdish politicians and Ocalan have fostered an environment conducive to renewed efforts.
The PKK views Ocalan’s recent statements as the commencement of “a new historical process in Kurdistan and the Middle East.” They called for his release from Imrali prison to oversee a party congress aimed at disbanding militant activities and emphasized that political and legal frameworks should support the success of democratic endeavors.
The timing of this ceasefire announcement aligns with intensified governmental pressures on Turkey’s primary pro-Kurdish political party. Several of its mayors have been removed and replaced by state officials, amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s contradictory support for reconciliation alongside increased crackdowns on opposition members, leading to numerous arrests of politicians, activists, and journalists.
The PKK’s announcement of a ceasefire marks a significant development in the long-standing conflict with Turkey, primarily prompted by Abdullah Ocalan’s appeal for peace. This could lead to a potential reduction in violence and renewed political dialogue. However, the backdrop of increased repression against the pro-Kurdish party raises concerns about the viability of these peace efforts. The situation remains fluid, necessitating close monitoring of developments.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
