TL/DR –
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has voluntarily begun destroying its weapons as part of a move from armed conflict to political dialogue with the Turkish government. The PKK, which has been in conflict with Turkey since its establishment in 1978, has been slowly building towards this in a sequence of gestures and messages, culminating in a weapons-burning ceremony. Public support for disarmament is growing, but the transition to political engagement hinges on comprehensive reform, credible guarantees, and the involvement of civil society groups and humanitarian organisations.
Disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party
Senior Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Bese Hozat announced the voluntary disarmament of the group, marking a significant shift in Turkiye’s political landscape. This historic move towards political dialogue was symbolized by a ritual burning of weapons by about 30 of the group’s fighters in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah. The disarmament process can be seen here. Rid of triumphalism, these actions demonstrate both substantial political alignment and symbolic coordination between the PKK and Turkiye.
Efforts leading up to this ceremony required mutual recognition of importance between both sides. On July 7, Turkish President Erdogan met with the pro-Kurdish DEM Party delegation for the second time in four months. This marked the second meeting with PKK’s imprisoned leader and founder Abdullah Ocalan in 26 years. Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to the disarmament process and announced the establishment of a parliamentary commission to address its legal framework.
Kurdish Public Assurance
Ocalan’s video message sought to reassure Kurdish supporters of a shift from armed struggle to political engagement. Despite years of isolation, Ocalan’s message resonated, as many Kurds seek dignity without martyrdom and future beyond the armed struggle. Recent surveys show growing public support for disarmament, even among those sceptical of the state’s intent. Over 90% of DEM voters, as well as Kurdish or Zaza-identified individuals in Turkiye, back the process.
The strategic recalibration of the PKK’s operational space in northern Iraq and Syria, along with Iran’s fluctuating regional influence and sustained Turkish military pressure, have reshaped the group’s strategic calculus. The PKK’s decision to disarm aligns with the core interests of the United States and Israel in maintaining manageable status quo in Syria.
The disarmament process will continue with the introduction of a Turkish parliamentary commission to define the conditions for the reintegration of PKK fighters into civilian life. The role of civil society groups and humanitarian organisations in Turkiye is expected to be crucial in the forthcoming stages of full disarmament.
Turkish Political Support
Political actors across Turkiye’s political spectrum broadly support the peace process with the PKK, as it offers a chance to reset deeply polarised governance. Even the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), a long-time opponent of any rapprochement with Kurdish nationalist groups, has publicly backed the process.
Potential Risks
Despite its potential, the process is not without challenges. The road ahead may be harder without meaningful political reforms or guarantees. On the Kurdish political side, questions about the fate of those imprisoned on “terror” charges, former fighters, and families stranded must be addressed.
The disarmament’s future also hinges on how internal and geopolitical conditions continue to evolve, with the armed chapter ending not only within Turkiye’s borders but potentially on the Syrian front as well.
—
Read More US Political News