The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) officially announced that it convened its 12th Congress from 5 to 7 May, marking what many observers see as a potential watershed moment in the decades-long Kurdish-Turkish conflict. The congress, which brought together delegates from across the PKK’s operational areas, was held in response to the 27 February “Peace and Democratic Society” appeal issued by Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned Kurdish leader, calling for an end to armed conflict and a transition to democratic politics.
International media swiftly picked up the news.
Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW) reported under the headline: “PKK holds congress, announces ‘historic decisions’.” The outlet’s Turkish page described the congress as a key moment, emphasising the historic nature of the decisions taken.
Britain’s BBC Turkish echoed the framing with: “PKK holds congress: ‘Historic decisions taken’,” reflecting the high level of international interest in the developments.
France’s RFI (Radio France Internationale) summarised the PKK’s announcement, relying on ANF sources, and underlined the organisation’s claim that “decisions of historical significance” were reached.
Reuters, the Britain-based global news agency reported: “Kurdish PKK militants held congress, took ‘historic decisions’, agency says,” highlighting the international relevance of the move, particularly regarding Turkey’s political landscape.
The Washington Post framed the story as “PKK militant group close to announcing decision to disband,” aligning with recent comments by Turkish President Erdoğan, who declared that obstacles to peace had been overcome and that a “new era” would soon begin.
The Associated Press (AP) ran a similar line: “PKK militant group close to announcing decision to disband, Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party says,” indicating that formal announcements are imminent.
Al-Monitor, a US-based Middle East-focused platform, focused on Öcalan’s influence with the headline: “PKK holds congress in response to Öcalan’s call to end war with Turkey.”
Greece’s Ekathimerini reported under: “Kurdish PKK militants convene congress, take ‘historic decisions,’ agency says,” referencing ANF sources.
Middle East Eye, based in London, reported: “PKK to officially disband this week, sources say,” underscoring regional and international anticipation.
Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi-owned international daily, reported that the PKK held its 12th Congress in PKK-controlled areas and was preparing an official statement on disarmament and self-dissolution, quoting Kurdish network Rudaw. The paper highlighted the PKK’s claim of “historic decisions” following Abdullah Öcalan’s call and noted the pro-Kurdish DEM Party’s reaction, describing the moment as a “historic opportunity” to replace armed struggle with political dialogue and emphasising the need to establish political and legal foundations for lasting peace.
These reports signal the global relevance of the PKK’s shift from armed struggle to democratic politics, a process closely monitored by international actors, peace advocates, and Kurdish communities worldwide. Comparisons are already being drawn with other landmark peace transitions, such as South Africa’s shift from apartheid and the Northern Ireland peace process.
