Turkey'sstrategy for a PKK-free future advances with cautious measures in place
The disarmament process of the PKK in Türkiye is actively progressing, with a target completion date set for around September 2025. This process, which is taking place in secrecy and closely monitored by Turkish authorities, involves the abandonment of arms by PKK members and the subsequent demobilization of the organization.
The evacuation of PKK-controlled areas, such as the Makhmur and Sinjar camps in Iraq, is imminent. Following evacuation, families originating from Türkiye are expected to return home. The Turkish government anticipates a faster disarmament timeline than precedents like ETA in Spain or the IRA in Ireland.
Reintegration measures for disarmed PKK members who are not involved in criminal or terrorist acts are being considered. However, senior PKK cadres and about 300 lower-ranking members implicated in terrorism will be barred from returning to Türkiye permanently. These individuals may be temporarily allowed to stay in Iraq or Syria but will likely be advised to relocate to Europe or African countries with friendly ties to Türkiye.
The peace process is supported by an unusual political consensus, including the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) led by Devlet Bahçeli. This bipartisan alignment marks a departure from previous failed attempts impeded by partisan polarization and emphasizes a controlled, intelligence-led disengagement rather than public negotiations. The involvement of Abdullah Öcalan, who called for PKK disarmament and dissolution in February 2025, remains central to the process.
Challenges such as distrust and unresolved political imprisonments remain, including the continued detention of prominent pro-Kurdish political figures despite European Court rulings.
The "National Unity, Fraternity and Democracy Committee" has been established to discuss the disarmament of the PKK terrorist group. Parliament is expected to draft bills for the integration of disarmed PKK members to the society and their rehabilitation. The committee will oversee the legislative and regulatory arrangements that will emerge in connection with the process and refer them to Parliament's General Assembly for an ultimate decision and legislation.
The state of the YPG, the U.S.-backed Syrian wing of the PKK, remains an outstanding issue in the disarmament initiative. The PKK's senior leader, Bese Hozat, was among the members who burned their weapons in the ceremony. New legal regulations are required for PKK members to return to Turkey, with around 200 terrorists estimated to be in hiding in Turkey. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş emphasized the need for closed sessions due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
These measures collectively aim to end the PKK’s armed presence and facilitate societal reintegration under Türkiye’s framework while maintaining national security and political stability.
- The Turkish government, in cooperation with the Nationalist Movement Party, is pursuing the disarmament of the PKK in Türkiye, aiming for completion by September 2025.
- The evacuation of PKK-controlled areas in Iraq is imminent, with families originally from Türkiye expected to return home post-evacuation.
- Although reintegration measures are being considered for disarmed PKK members without criminal records, senior cadres and implicated terrorists may be relocated to European or African countries.
- The peace process, supported by a rare political consensus, is emphasizing a controlled, intelligence-led disengagement, moving away from previous public negotiations.
- Despite the progress, challenges such as political imprisonments and distrust remain, including the continued detention of pro-Kurdish political figures despite European Court rulings.
- The "National Unity, Fraternity and Democracy Committee" has been established to oversee the legislative arrangements for integrating disarmed PKK members into society, maintaining national security and political stability, while addressing the ongoing issue of the YPG in Syrian territory.
