Updates in Türkiye’s peace process (as of May 11, 2025)

It is funny that I could not find a suitable image for this post. An image that includes Öcalan or PKK imagery may be risky if the negotiations turn sour; the AI produced some fictional images where the Turkish and PKK flags were of equal size, which may trigger nationalist reactions. I decided to publish this post without an image, yes, I am self-censoring (!)

Developments in the Turkish State–PKK Peace Process (April 11 – May 11, 2025)

Overview

The last 30 days have marked a historic turning point in the decades-long conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Following a series of high-level contacts, appeals from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, and unprecedented political gestures, the peace process has accelerated rapidly, culminating in a PKK congress and the announcement of “historic decisions.” Below is a detailed review of key events and their implications.

Key Developments

1. Öcalan’s Call and the PKK Congress

• In late February 2025, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, issued a public call for the PKK to dissolve and end its armed struggle, marking the clearest directive yet for a permanent ceasefire and political resolution78.

• Responding to this, the PKK convened a congress in early May 2025 in Iraqi Kurdistan. This congress was widely anticipated to formalize the group’s dissolution and set the stage for a new era of peace1415.

• On May 9, 2025, the PKK announced that “historic decisions” had been made at the congress, though it stopped short of explicitly declaring disbandment. The group’s leadership is expected to make a formal declaration soon, possibly delivered by Öcalan himself13415.

2. Political and Social Reactions

• The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, which has played a central mediating role, hailed the congress as a “critical threshold” and “a new beginning” for Turkey. DEM leaders, including Pervin Buldan and Ahmet Türk, emphasized that the road to peace is now being paved and that “historic steps will be taken”126.

• Veteran Kurdish politicians such as Leyla Zana echoed these sentiments, calling for democratic, egalitarian, and just solutions for the future2.

• The DEM Party has called on the Turkish Parliament to initiate formal peace talks and address the Kurdish issue through legislative means6.

3. Turkish Government’s Position

• President Erdoğan, who previously authorized direct peace talks, had not commented publicly as of May 9, but sources indicated an imminent statement in response to the PKK’s announcement1.

• The Turkish government’s public stance remains that the PKK’s disarmament should be unconditional, with no negotiations or bargaining. However, media reports suggest that the process may involve amnesties, the release of imprisoned PKK and DEM Party members, and potentially improved conditions or house arrest for Öcalan, alongside constitutional reforms expanding Kurdish rights8.

4. International and Regional Context

• The peace process has received support from Kurdish leaders in Iraq, with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) expressing readiness to facilitate peace7.

• The United States and other international actors have monitored the process, recognizing its potential impact on regional stability, particularly regarding the status of Kurdish-led regions in Syria78.

5. Recent Losses and Setbacks

• The process was marked by the sudden death of Sirri Sureyya Onder, a key member of the DEM Party’s peacemaking delegation, on May 3, 2025, which was a significant loss for the peace camp5.

Timeline of Major Events (April–May 2025)

Current Status and Outlook

• The peace process is at a pivotal juncture. While the PKK has not yet formally declared its dissolution, the group’s congress and statements from Kurdish political actors signal an imminent end to armed conflict13415.

• The Turkish government’s next moves-particularly Erdoğan’s anticipated statement-will be crucial in determining the pace and substance of the transition from armed conflict to negotiated peace.

• The DEM Party and Kurdish civil society are pressing for parliamentary and constitutional reforms to address longstanding Kurdish grievances and secure democratic rights68.

• There is cautious optimism, but the process remains fragile, with the potential for setbacks if either side perceives the other as reneging on commitments or if spoilers intervene138.

Key Decisions Made by the PKK During Their Recent Congress (May 2025)

Summary of Congress and Context

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) held its 12th congress from May 5 to 7, 2025, in northern Iraq, in response to a public appeal by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan to dissolve and disarm, ending its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. The congress was convened in two parallel locations-Suleymaniyah and Duhok-with delegates representing all areas of the organization423.

Main Decisions and Announcements

• Evaluation of Öcalan’s Proposals: The congress focused on reading and evaluating the “perspectives and proposals” of Abdullah Öcalan, who had called for the PKK to end its armed struggle and transition to political means for pursuing Kurdish rights423.

• Deliberations on Disarmament and Dissolution: The PKK stated that it made decisions concerning its disarmament and dissolution, directly referencing Öcalan’s call to shift the Kurdish struggle from the battlefield to the political sphere413. However, the group stopped short of formally declaring its disbandment or immediate disarmament, indicating that the final results and details would be shared with the public “very soon after the results from the two different areas are combined”412.

• Renewed Call for Öcalan’s Freedom: The congress reiterated the demand for the “physical freedom” of Abdullah Öcalan, who remains imprisoned in Turkey4.

• Commitment to Peace and Political Resolution: The PKK reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue, emphasizing the need for a legal and political framework to facilitate the peace process and ensure the group’s transition from armed conflict to political engagement234.

• Ceasefire Continuation: The PKK maintained its previously declared ceasefire, which was announced in March following Öcalan’s February appeal23.

• Awaiting Political Steps: The group linked its disarmament and dissolution to the establishment of a legal mechanism for peace talks and broader democratization efforts in Turkey, signaling that concrete steps from the Turkish state would be necessary to finalize the process236.

Immediate Outcomes and Next Steps

• The PKK described its congress decisions as “historic” but has not yet publicly detailed the specific resolutions or set a timeline for implementation12346.

• The pro-Kurdish DEM Party and other Kurdish political actors welcomed the congress as a turning point and called on the Turkish Parliament and state institutions to take responsibility for advancing the peace process and democratization27.

• The PKK is expected to soon release a comprehensive statement detailing the congress outcomes, particularly regarding the group’s future structure and its approach to disarmament and political activity145.

In Summary

The PKK’s May 2025 congress resulted in decisions that move the organization closer to disarmament and dissolution, in line with Öcalan’s directive. While the group has not yet formally declared its disbandment, it has committed to transitioning its struggle to the political arena, maintaining a ceasefire, and seeking a legal framework for peace. The congress also renewed calls for Öcalan’s release and placed responsibility on Turkish authorities to reciprocate with concrete political steps123456.