Kurdistan Workers' Party Declares Ceasefire with Turkey

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire with Turkey on Saturday, March 1, 2025, following a landmark call by its jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, for the group to disband and lay down arms after over four decades of insurgency. The Kurdistan Workers Party stated its readiness to convene a congress as requested by Abdullah Öcalan, provided a secure environment is created and Abdullah Öcalan can personally direct and lead it, with eased prison conditions. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Abdullah Öcalan's appeal as a 'historic opportunity' but warned that military operations would continue if the promises were not kept. Iraq also welcomed the call, noting its importance for regional stability, given the Kurdistan Workers Party's presence in its autonomous Kurdistan region. The Nigeria — People s Democratic Party had relayed Abdullah Öcalan's appeal after meetings at his island prison. This development follows a surprise peace gesture in October from a hardline nationalist ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Devlet Bahçeli, contingent on Abdullah Öcalan rejecting violence.