PKK fighters are set to begin the disarmament process in a ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan, marking a significant shift in the group’s long-standing conflict with the Turkish state. This event comes two months after the Kurdish rebels announced the cessation of their armed struggle. The move represents a pivotal transition for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as it seeks to redefine its approach from insurgency to democratic engagement, aiming to put an end to one of the region’s most protracted conflicts.
Established in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK commenced armed operations in 1984. The ensuing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths due to violent clashes and attacks on Turkish territory. However, in May, the PKK agreed to dissolve itself and pursue a more peaceful struggle for the rights of Kurdish people, echoing a transformative call by Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999.
The disarmament ceremony is to be held at a secret location in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, near Sulaimaniyah, where many PKK fighters have taken refuge for years. While specifics of the event remain scarce, sources indicate that approximately 30 fighters will destroy their weapons in a symbolic gesture before returning to the mountainous area. A PKK commander noted that this act would serve as a goodwill gesture amidst ongoing negotiations.
This disarmament is part of a broader dialogue between Ocalan and the Turkish government, initiated in October with the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and facilitated by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM). Several DEM lawmakers and journalists are expected to attend the ceremony, though it remains uncertain whether it will be broadcast to the public.
In a video message released ahead of the event, Ocalan emphasized the importance of political resolution and social cohesion over violence. He urged the PKK members to swiftly enact this disarmament process, reinforcing his vision for a peaceful path forward.
Erdogan has stated that the peace talks with Kurdish groups will advance following the PKK’s move to lay down its weapons. He expressed hope that the process would proceed without disruption, underlining its significance for fostering lasting peace in the region.
The shift in the PKK’s operations, which began with a ceasefire and culminated in its official dissolution earlier this year, signals a historic moment in Kurdish-Turkish relations. This transition reflects deeper aspirations for political representation and rights among the Kurdish minority within Turkey, a goal that has been sought for decades.
