12th Congress and Dissolution Decision of the PKK Terrorist Organization (May 2025)

The 12th Congress and dissolution decision of the PKK terrorist organization refers to the extraordinary congress held between 5–7 May 2025, during which the group decided to terminate its armed struggle and dismantle its organizational structure. The final declaration issued on 12 May 2025 publicly announced these decisions. This declaration was the result of a broader political process shaped by leadership calls and multi-actor engagement, including national political figures and institutions.

Statements from DEM Party Spokespersons and Officials

Statement by Ayşegül Doğan

On 9 May 2025, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan held a press conference at the party's headquarters in Ankara. She remarked that the PKK’s announcement of convening a congress was imminent and characterized the forthcoming decision as historically significant. She added that the party was ready to shoulder political responsibility in building a democratic and peaceful Türkiye.

Statement by Pervin Buldan

On the same day in Adıyaman, DEM Party MP Pervin Buldan confirmed that the PKK had convened its congress and stated that detailed announcements would follow in the coming days. She emphasized that the very act of holding the congress should be seen as a reflection of the group’s commitment to the process and its importance as a step toward peace.

DEM Party Central Executive Committee Declaration

In an eight-article public statement issued on 9 May 2025, the DEM Party Central Executive Committee emphasized that the PKK’s congress decisions represented a historic turning point for Türkiye. Key points of the declaration included:

• A transition from decades of conflict toward the prospect of peace and democratic politics.
• Commemoration of all lives lost during the prolonged conflict and recognition of shared suffering across all communities.
• A call for a new era prioritizing democratic coexistence, political dialogue, and legal reforms.
• A demand for the Turkish Grand National Assembly and executive authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in constructing a lasting peace.
• Acknowledgment of the roles played by Abdullah Öcalan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, and opposition leader Özgür Özel in facilitating the process.

Dissolution Decision and the Disarmament Process

In the final declaration released on 12 May 2025, the PKK terrorist organization announced that it had convened its 12th Congress between 5–7 May and decided to dissolve its organization and end the armed struggle. The declaration stated that these decisions were part of a broader process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s public call on 27 February 2025.

The congress was reportedly held simultaneously in four locations, with 232 delegates in total. The dissolution and disarmament process was outlined in three stages:

1. Weapon Surrender: All weapons and ammunition possessed by the organization and its affiliates would be delivered to designated centers in Iraq and Syria. The numbers would be verified against intelligence reports, and each step would be documented.
2. Demobilization of Armed Units: Combatants would be removed from the mountains and their status assessed for legal or procedural action.
3. Disbanding Foreign Structures: The PKK's financial and logistical structures in Europe would be dismantled, and individuals not involved in criminal activities would be relocated to third countries.

Responses from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)

Celal Adan, Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly and MHP MP, responded by describing the process as “the end of the era of blood and hatred.” According to MHP, the dissolution decision followed Abdullah Öcalan’s call on 27 February and was seen as a critical step toward a “Terror-Free Türkiye”.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli linked the PKK’s decision to the governance system in Türkiye, describing the dissolution as a realized milestone of the presidential system. He stressed the need to address technical aspects, including the logistics of disarmament, classification of militants, the status of PYD/YPG, and necessary legal measures for post-conflict integration. Bahçeli called for a political consensus and warned against ideological polarization.

Statements from the AK Party 

AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik considered the decisions a significant milestone for the goal of a “Terror-Free Türkiye,” emphasizing the need for complete and verifiable implementation. AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala referred to the development as an important step in dismantling illegal structures, adding that mechanisms for process management would be activated as needed.

Both officials highlighted the leadership of President Erdoğan and MHP Chair Bahçeli in directing the process.

Statement by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

In his 12 May 2025 address following a cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan welcomed the decision, describing it as vital for national security and regional peace. He stated that the process would be closely monitored by intelligence and security agencies and that its success would open new opportunities for enhancing democratic capacity. Erdoğan emphasized national unity and thanked his coalition partner Bahçeli and other stakeholders for their contributions. He also paid tribute to the victims of past violence, calling the development a turning point for their families and communities.

Statement by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a joint press conference following the Türkiye-Jordan-Syria trilateral meeting on 12 May 2025, characterized the PKK’s announcement as “historic and important.” He stressed the need for genuine implementation and close monitoring of the process. Fidan acknowledged the roles of Devlet Bahçeli, President Erdoğan, and the DEM Party, among others, in facilitating the decision.