Istanbul, Turkey – The outlawed Kurdish group the PKK has announced a ceasefire with Turkey following a plea from their imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan. Ocalan, who has been in solitary confinement since 1999, urged the movement to lay down their arms and dissolve themselves in an effort to bring an end to the decades-long armed struggle in southeast Turkey. The PKK hopes that Turkey will release Ocalan, allowing him to lead the process of disarmament.
The ceasefire declaration comes after discussions between Ocalan, also known as Apo by Kurdish nationalists, and members of a pro-Kurdish party on Imrali Island. The PKK executive committee stated that none of their forces would engage in armed actions unless provoked. Additionally, they called for the improvement of Ocalan’s prison conditions so he can establish relationships freely.
The PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the EU, UK, and US. Ocalan’s call for disarmament and the dissolution of the PKK was well-received by Kurdish leaders, with many hopeful for a peaceful resolution. However, there are lingering uncertainties about the next steps in the peace process.
The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had shown support for a peaceful resolution, creating an environment conducive to the PKK laying down their arms. Despite this, skepticism remains among some Kurdish and Turkish citizens about the potential for real change.
In recent years, pro-Kurdish politicians have faced increased repression, with many arrests and convictions taking place. The PKK’s insurgency has resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 people since its inception. Renewed violence in southeastern Turkey from 2015 to 2017 highlighted the challenges in achieving lasting peace.
Most recently, the PKK claimed an attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters near Ankara, underscoring the ongoing tensions between Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed groups. Moving forward, the implementation of the ceasefire and the prospects for a peaceful resolution will continue to be closely monitored by both the Kurdish and Turkish communities.