Abdullah Öcalan Urges PKK to Lay Down Arms in First Video Message in 26 Years

Jailed PKK leader calls for transition from armed struggle to democratic politics, says “violence has run its course”

In a rare video message released after 26 years in solitary confinement, jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has publicly urged the Kurdish militant group to abandon its armed struggle and embrace democratic politics. Speaking from İmralı Island Prison, where he has been held since 1999, Öcalan said, “I believe not in the power of weapons, but in the power of politics and social peace. I call on you to implement this principle.”

His statement, broadcast by the pro-Kurdish Fırat News Agency (ANF), comes at a critical moment as the Turkish government—prompted by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli—initiates a new round of peace process efforts. The Turkish Parliament is expected to establish a special commission to oversee disarmament and reconciliation. A formal disarmament ceremony by the PKK is anticipated later this week.

A Historic Turning Point: “The Armed Phase is Over”

Öcalan declared that the PKK’s strategy of national liberation through armed resistance had “fulfilled its historic mission,” stating that the group’s core objective—recognition of Kurdish existence—had been achieved. “The PKK’s aim of forming a separate state and the strategy it relied on have ended. The remaining path is now one of political engagement and legal resolution.”

He called for the immediate creation of a mechanism to oversee disarmament and a swift transition to what he described as a “voluntary move from armed struggle to democratic politics and law.” Öcalan described this not as a loss, but as a “historic achievement.”

Democratic Society Manifesto to Replace Armed Struggle

Öcalan revealed that he had drafted a “Democratic Society Manifesto,” which he believes will replace the PKK’s foundational doctrine, the Road to the Kurdistan Revolution. “This new manifesto holds historic social significance not only for Kurdish society, but also for the region and the world,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the Kurdish political movement would now pursue its goals through democratic integration and collaboration, rather than through separatism or violence. “What follows must be built on democratic strategy, political ethics, and comprehensive rule of law,” he noted.

No Personal Demand for Release

Addressing speculation around his prison conditions and potential release, Öcalan reiterated that he has never viewed his own freedom as an individual or isolated concern. “Philosophically, individual freedom cannot be separated from social freedom. One is only free to the extent that the other is.”

Öcalan’s statement comes amid rumors that some form of conditional release or sentence reclassification may be discussed as part of broader negotiations, though no such provision has been confirmed by the Turkish government.

Parliamentary Role and Future of the PKK

Öcalan emphasized the importance of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) and its role in legitimizing the peace process. He supported the establishment of a parliamentary commission, authorized by law, to manage the disarmament and reintegration of militants.

He also acknowledged the role of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and urged all political actors to contribute constructively to the process. “The steps taken will not be in vain. I see the sincerity and I trust it,” he said.

Öcalan also praised what he called the PKK’s “12th Congress of Dissolution,” which he interpreted as a historic and constructive response to his previous calls for de-escalation and transformation.

Call for Contributions and Dialogue

Öcalan concluded by inviting all stakeholders, including critics and supporters, to contribute ideas and suggestions to the evolving peace process. He described the moment as “decisive and transformative,” with the potential to move both Kurdish and Turkish societies beyond decades of conflict.

“Let us now advance in line with these congress decisions and the views I’ve shared here. Let’s ensure that success defines the path ahead,” he said, ending with a final message: “I believe in the power of politics and peace—not weapons. And I invite you to live by this principle.”