The PKK’s Disbandment: One More Step Toward Domestic Peace in Türkiye

Two and a half months after founding member Abdullah Öcalan called on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to lay down arms and dissolve itself, the group—long designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the EU—has announced its decision to disband and end its armed struggle.

The statement said the process would be coordinated by Öcalan and called for the recognition of democratic political rights, urging the Turkish parliament to play its part. If implemented in full, this would mark a historic shift, not only for Türkiye, but also for Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, both affected by the PKK’s presence in their territory and the instability that has brought. Türkiye could end cross-border operations and withdraw from its military outposts in northern Iraq, freeing up resources. The Development Road project, an ongoing infrastructure initiative aiming to connect Asia with Europe through Iraq would become more viable. A key point of friction in Türkiye’s relations with Western allies would also be removed, as Ankara has long accused the United States and European countries of tacitly supporting the PKK.

Still, many elements of the process remain unclear. Given the sensitive nature of the process, official communication has been limited. Crucial questions remain: When, where, and to whom will the PKK hand over its weapons? What arrangements will be made for PKK militants and leaders? What is the future of affiliated groups such as the People’s Defense Units (YPG) in Syria? Will Türkiye reconsider its position on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) playing a role in Syria’s political future?

Perhaps the most consequential question is what, if anything, Türkiye will do in response. Officials insist that the disbandment is a unilateral step by the PKK and that no negotiations are taking place. However, the PKK’s call for parliamentary involvement suggests that legal—and possibly constitutional—changes could follow. One widely discussed possibility is the removal, in a potential constitutional amendment package, of presidential term limits—which would allow President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to seek reelection.

The disbandment of the PKK is taking place against the backdrop of growing concerns about democratic backsliding in Türkiye. There is no indication yet that the process involves a broader, inclusive approach to the Kurdish question. Still, the end of the insurgency, if sustained, would be a major development. It would remove a long-standing source of political tension and could, over time, create space for a more democratic and pluralistic public sphere—even if that remains uncertain for now.