Turkish newspaper: PKK to announce self-dissolution by late April

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is banned in Türkiye and designated as a terrorist organisation, is expected to decide on its self-dissolution by the end of April.

The spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Ömer Çelik, told journalists on April 21 that significant progress could be made this month toward resolving the longstanding Kurdish issue, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet.

Representatives of the pro-Kurdish DEM party expressed similar sentiments following their April 22 meeting with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who is serving a life sentence for terrorist activities, the paper noted.

"Behind the curtain of the ruling AKP, it is said that Turkish President Erdoğan has been informed that the PKK will decide to end its armed struggle and dissolve itself by the end of April," wrote Hürriyet columnist Abdülkadir Selvi.

​Recent developments indicate a potential shift in the longstanding conflict between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish state. In February 2025, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, called for the group to lay down arms and dissolve itself, marking a significant departure from decades of armed struggle.​

Following Öcalan's appeal, the pro-Kurdish DEM Party has advocated for legislative measures to support the PKK's disarmament and the revival of peace negotiations. In a notable political development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with DEM Party leaders in April 2025 to discuss the potential for ending the 40-year conflict.​

Despite these diplomatic efforts, challenges remain. PKK co-leader Cemil Bayık expressed concerns over the feasibility of convening a congress to formalize the group's dissolution, citing ongoing Turkish military operations and security risks.​

The Turkish government's stance emphasizes the complete disbandment of the PKK as a prerequisite for peace. President Erdoğan has described this moment as a "historic opportunity" to resolve the conflict, while also warning of continued military action if the PKK does not disarm.

By Khagan Isayev