The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has successfully held its 12th Congress in the "defense zones" of northern Iraq between May 5 and 7, according to a report published Friday, May 9, 2025, by Firat News Agency, a media outlet known for its proximity to the organization.

The congress was reportedly held in response to a call made by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, urging the group to disarm and dissolve itself.

The statement released by the agency read:

“The 12th Congress of the PKK was held successfully based on the call of our leader Abdullah Öcalan. The decisions taken at the congress mark a historic turning point for the Kurdish people and the broader Middle East. Detailed documents and information regarding the decisions will be shared with the public very soon.”

A Historic Shift Toward Peace

In line with Öcalan’s call, the PKK had already announced an immediate ceasefire on March 1, signaling its intent to end a four-decade-long armed conflict with the Turkish state.

Although the ceasefire is still officially in effect, sporadic clashes have continued in recent weeks between Turkish forces and PKK fighters in various mountainous areas of northern Iraq, where the group’s leadership is known to be based.

DEM Party: “This Is a Historic Opportunity That Must Not Be Missed”

Reacting to the development, Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) — a political movement widely considered the successor to the pro-Kurdish HDP — described the congress as “an important step toward a peaceful resolution” of the conflict.

Speaking to reporters after a party meeting on Friday, Doğan said:

“We all view this decision with great seriousness and importance. Öcalan’s call has been met with a positive response by the PKK, and a ceasefire was declared shortly thereafter. This historic opportunity must be made permanent. The path forward must be dialogue, not arms.”

She also emphasized that a legal and political foundation is needed for lasting peace, calling for mutual steps by all parties involved.

40 Years of Conflict

Since 1984, the PKK has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state. The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives, including both combatants and civilians.

The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

Efforts to achieve peace have been attempted in the past, most notably the 2013–2015 peace process, which eventually broke down. Observers note that this latest move could offer a real opportunity to revive negotiations, if met with reciprocal and constructive engagement by the Turkish state.