Historical Turning Point: Öcalan Declares End to Armed Struggle in New Message

On the first anniversary of the “Peace and Democratic Society Call” dated February 27, 2025, a new and highly significant message from Abdullah Öcalan was shared during a panel organized by the DEM Party. The message, delivered by the DEM Party’s Imrali delegation following a visit on February 16, 2026, marks a definitive shift in strategy, officially announcing the dissolution of the organization’s armed struggle and a transition toward “Democratic Integration.”

“The Era of Violence-Based Politics is Over”

In the text read by DEM Party Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan, Öcalan emphasized that the preference for democratic politics is now absolute. He stated that the decision to end the armed struggle is not just a formal or practical move but a “mental purification from violence.” Key highlights from his address included:

• Mental Peace with the Republic: The cessation of the armed strategy was described as a declaration of “making peace with the Republic mentally.”

• From Rebellion to Integration: Öcalan noted that the “negative period of rebellion” has been overcome through unilateral will, moving toward a phase of “Democratic Integration” and negotiation.

• A Call for a Positive Phase: He invited all segments of society to take responsibility for ushering in a new era grounded in a democratic society and the rule of law.

A Rare Gesture: Gratitude to Political Leaders

One of the most striking aspects of the message was a direct “thank you” to the leaders of Turkey’s major political parties for their contributions to the thawing political climate:

“In the past year, I find the will of Mr. Erdoğan, the call of Mr. Bahçeli, the contribution of Mr. Özel, and the efforts of all other political, social, and civil individuals and institutions who contributed positively to the process to be very valuable.”

Öcalan also expressed deep respect and longing for the late politician Sırrı Süreyya Önder, whose role in past processes remains a significant memory in the movement.

Framework for a “Democratic Republic”

The message outlined a roadmap for societal peace focused on Constitutional Citizenship and the spirit of the Republic’s founding.

The Interdependence of Turks and Kurds

Öcalan reiterated the historical dialectic: “There can be no Turk without a Kurd, and no Kurd without a Turk.” He argued that the 27th of February call is an attempt to revive the “spirit of unity” present in the Republic’s founding documents.

Redefining Citizenship

The proposal suggests a shift away from ethnic or religious belonging toward a state-based bond:

• Constitutional Citizenship: Citizenship should be based on the bond with the state, not on belonging to a specific nation or religion.

• Freedom of Organization: This framework should guarantee the right to freely express and organize religious, ideological, and ethnic identities within the integrity of the state.

Women as the Driving Force

The message also touched upon social issues, identifying femicide and domestic violence as reflections of historical patriarchal attacks. Öcalan stated that women are the “most libertarian part and the driving force” of democratic integration.

The Language of the New Era

The statement concluded with a call for a change in political discourse, asserting that “the language of the era cannot be a commanding and authoritarian one.” Instead, it must be based on mutual respect, listening, and a “developed common mind.”

This 2026 declaration is being viewed by analysts as a potentially decisive moment in Turkish politics, signaling a shift toward a purely political and legal resolution of long-standing conflicts.