- 28
- Feb.
- 2025
Abdullah Öcalan's unprecedented call for the disarmament and dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on February 27, 2025, could mark a turning point in the Kurdish struggle for autonomy. As the PKK’s influence extends across Turkey and Syria, particularly in the ongoing conflict in northern Syria, this shift could have profound implications for regional security dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power and sparking a rethinking of long-standing geopolitical tensions.
Since its creation in 1978, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has profoundly shaped the history of the Kurdish movement and influenced the security dynamics of the region. Its founder and leader, Abdullah Öcalan, called on Thursday for the disarmament and dissolution of the movement. This decision would mark a major turning point, not only for Turkey but also for Syria, where groups inspired by the PKK’s ideology play a central role in ongoing tensions, particularly in areas controlled by Kurdish forces in Syria.
Origins and Evolution of the PKK
The PKK was founded by Abdullah Öcalan in 1978, with the initial goal of fighting for autonomy and recognition of Kurdish rights in Turkey. The movement emerged in a context of marginalization and repression of the Kurds, seeking to give a voice and representation to this community. In 1984, the PKK took action by launching an insurgency against the Turkish state, marking the beginning of a conflict that would last several decades and cause the deaths of more than 40,000 people. This phase of armed struggle intensified ethnic and political tensions in the region.
Öcalan’s arrest in 1999 was a major turning point. Captured in Kenya in a joint intelligence operation, his imprisonment transformed the armed struggle into a primarily ideological and political battle waged from his prison cell. In 2013, a fragile ceasefire was established, providing hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Although negotiations ultimately faltered, this period marked a significant attempt at dialogue between the Turkish government and the PKK.
On February 27, 2025, Öcalan, from his cell, called on the PKK to lay down its arms and dissolve, an unprecedented move that could redefine the balance of power in the region. This appeal comes at a time when the Kurdish struggle is seeking new ways to achieve its political goals.
The Syrian Perspective and the Influence of the PKK
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, provided the Kurds with an opportunity to organize politically in a territory long marked by repression. In northern Syria, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG) gradually established the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria—often referred to as Rojava. This autonomy project is largely inspired by Öcalan’s ideology, and many elements of the PKK are present there, even though the leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have stated that the call for disarmament primarily concerns the Turkish PKK.
The relationship between Turkey and these Kurdish forces in Syria remains tense. Ankara considers the YPG an extension of the PKK, which it designates as a terrorist organization, and thus justifies its interventions in northern Syria. In this context, the potential disarmament of the PKK could change the situation.
A Reconfiguration of Regional Balances Underway
If Öcalan’s call leads to a significant reduction in the PKK’s military capabilities, it could weaken Turkey’s argument for justifying its cross-border operations. This would pave the way for a reassessment of security policies in the region, both in Turkey and Syria. The current dynamics in Syria are complex: the Damascus regime, Kurdish forces, and various rebel groups are vying for control over strategic territories. In this climate, changes within the PKK could prompt local actors to reconsider their alliances.
In a context of recalibrating balances in the Middle East—where Turkey, Russia, and even the United States are adjusting their strategies—a shift in the PKK’s military status could encourage a new push for regional dialogue. It could also help curb conflict escalation by reducing the security pretext that Ankara uses against Syrian Kurdish forces.
The PKK’s trajectory, marked by decisive moments—from its founding in 1978 to the call for disarmament in 2025—is now closely tied to developments in Syria. The potential transformation of the movement, as envisioned by Öcalan, is likely to have a lasting impact on the dynamics of the Kurdish struggle and influence power relations between Ankara and Syrian actors. If the PKK’s disarmament reduces tensions with Turkey, it could also pave the way for a reassessment of security strategies and a revival of peace negotiations in a rapidly changing Middle East. However, the complexity of alliances and the multitude of interests on the ground mean that the future remains uncertain. The challenges of peaceful coexistence between the Kurds and the Turkish state, as well as between Kurdish forces and the new Syrian power, thus remain numerous.
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