President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye has referred to a recent appeal from Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as a historic opportunity for peace. Ocalan’s call for the PKK to disband and disarm marks a potential turning point in a decades-long conflict that has led to significant loss of life and unrest in the region. Erdogan described the situation as a rare chance to dismantle the “wall of terror” and move toward a peaceful resolution.
In a message delivered from prison, Ocalan urged the PKK to convene a congress to collectively decide on laying down arms and disbanding. This call, communicated through officials from Turkiye’s pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM), is part of a broader initiative aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the longstanding hostilities that have affected numerous communities within Turkiye and beyond.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by both Turkiye and its Western allies, has engaged in a prolonged insurgency against the Turkish state, resulting in significant socio-political repercussions. As of now, the PKK leadership, primarily based in northern Iraq, has yet to officially respond to Ocalan’s proposal.
Erdogan emphasized that the Turkish government will closely monitor the dynamics of the peace talks, expressing hope that the ongoing discussions will lead to a fruitful conclusion. He highlighted the importance of mitigating the influence of terrorism in creating a conducive environment for democratic dialogue and political engagement.
On the ground, reactions have been varied. Omer Celik, spokesperson for Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), asserted that all branches related to the PKK, including groups operating in Syria, must adhere to the disbandment call. He made it clear that any factions asserting ties to the PKK, such as the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), are also expected to dissolve their organizations.
In Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the YPG, responded positively to Ocalan’s disarmament call, framing it as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and regional peacebuilding. This sentiment was echoed by Mazloum Abdi, the SDF’s commander, who underscored that Ocalan’s appeal pertains to the PKK and is not directly connected to their forces.
The DEM Party called on Erdogan’s government to take immediate steps towards democratization, emphasizing the necessity of addressing citizens’ fundamental freedoms to foster coexistence and future stability. The party’s deputy chair, Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, articulated that without tangible democratic reforms, societal harmony would remain an elusive goal.
Over recent years, Turkiye has made notable strides in relaxing restrictions on the Kurdish language and cultural expression, particularly following the rise of Erdogan’s AK Party in 2002. However, critics contend that the government has yet to fully embrace a comprehensive approach to granting further rights to the Kurdish population.
Initiated in October by Erdogan’s coalition partner, Devlet Bahceli, this new drive for peace has rekindled discussions that previously faltered, notably during the 2015 peace process. Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, continues to exert substantial influence over the PKK despite his incarceration, reflecting the complex interconnections of politics and identity within Turkish society.
As this situation unfolds, many stakeholders remain hopeful for a renewed effort that prioritizes peace, rights, and democratic discourse in Turkiye.
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