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10 March 2025

Turkish-Kurdish Conflict at a Turning Point: What’s Next?

Paulo Aguiar

On February 27, 2025, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), made a groundbreaking call for the group to lay down its arms, dissolve, and integrate into the Turkish state. The momentous announcement could bring an end to a conflict that has spanned decades, taken over 40,000 lives, and shaped the political landscape of the region. While there is cautious optimism, the future of the peace process remains uncertain, especially considering past attempts, the internal complexities of Kurdish politics, and broader regional geopolitics. The announcement is not just about the PKK ceasing its armed struggle but also about the possibility of redefining the relationship between Turkey and its Kurdish population, impacting domestic politics and regional alliances alike.

Key Developments

Öcalan’s statement set off a chain of events, each carrying profound political and military implications. Pro-Kurdish Turkish legislators publicly read his message, emphasizing that the PKK no longer holds the same historical, sociological, or ideological relevance it once did. This public acknowledgment by the government was not merely symbolic but indicated a broader effort to frame the organization as obsolete in the eyes of both Turkish citizens and the international community.

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