The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s Executive Committee issued the statement on March 1, 2025, announcing a unilateral ceasefire, responding to a call from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, for “peace and a democratic society.”
The PKK is an armed political group founded in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan, advocating for Kurdish autonomy and rights in Turkiye. Initially Marxist-Leninist, it later embraced democratic confederalism, a political ideology theorized Öcalan. The PKK has engaged in armed conflict with the Turkish state since 1984 and is designated a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and the EU.
Öcalan called for the PKK to disarm and dissolve on February 29. The group stated that political and legal conditions, including Öcalan’s release from isolation, are necessary for the process. No timeline for disbandment was provided.
The statement refers to Öcalan’s message as a “historic manifesto” and commits to implementing his call. The PKK confirmed it will not engage in military action unless attacked. It also expressed readiness to hold a congress as requested by Öcalan, emphasizing that his personal presence is essential.
On X, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz described the ceasefire as a “new phase” and expressed hope for its successful resolution.