Erdogan declares end of terror, weapons, violence, and crime in Türkiye Following self-dissolution of PKK

On May 14, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that the era of terror, weapons, violence, and crime in Türkiye has come to an end. 

Speaking at a meeting of the Justice and Development Party’s parliamentary faction, Erdogan outlined a new chapter in Türkiye's efforts to eradicate terrorism and establish lasting peace and security, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

This declaration followed the announcement of the self-dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a move that signifies a significant step forward in the country’s battle against domestic terrorism. With this development, Türkiye enters a phase where it aims to decisively end terrorism and restore stability across the nation.

“It is crucial that Syrian and European cells of the terrorist organization recognize this reality and join the process of disbandment and surrendering their weapons,” Erdogan stated, emphasising the importance of these cells' involvement in ensuring the dissolution of the PKK.

The Turkish president further stressed that the key to this process lies in the fulfilment of promises made by the PKK, noting that the implementation of these commitments would be closely monitored by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MİT).

The dissolution of the PKK came after the group's 12th congress, held from May 5 to 7, during which the organisation formally announced its decision to lay down arms and disband. This shift followed a call by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), who urged the PKK to abandon its armed activities and contribute to the broader “Terror-free Türkiye” initiative.

The PKK conflict has been one of Türkiye’s most prolonged and violent internal struggles, lasting more than four decades. Founded in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK initially aimed to create an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Türkiye. Over time, the group’s focus shifted toward seeking greater autonomy and political rights for Kurds within the Turkish state. However, the PKK's use of violence and guerrilla tactics has resulted in widespread bloodshed, contributing to a cycle of instability.

The disbandment of the PKK marks a potentially transformative moment for Türkiye, signalling a possible end to one of the most destructive chapters in the nation’s modern history. The group has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including civilians, women, children, and the elderly, during its 40-year campaign of terror. Recognised as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, the PKK’s dissolution represents a monumental shift in the country’s fight against terrorism and its aspirations for national unity.