PKK terrorist group to disband by end of April: Turkish Columnist

PKK terrorist organization is expected to announce its self-dissolution by the end of April, according to a report by pro-government newspaper Hurriyet.

PKK/YPG is a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the European Union. The PKK’s Syrian offshoot, the YPG, plays a dominant role in the SDF—a group long supported by Washington in the fight against Daesh.

The PKK has waged a four-decade terrorism campaign against Türkiye, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people, including women and children.

Erdogan briefed on developments

Hurriyet columnist Abdulkadir Selvi wrote that senior figures within Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) have informed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the PKK’s expected decision to halt armed conflict and dissolve itself.

Turkish columnist Abdulkadir Selvi wrote, “In AK Party circles, it is being said that President Erdogan has been informed that the PKK will decide to end its armed conflict and dissolve itself by the end of April.”

On April 21, Omer Celik, spokesperson for Türkiye’s ruling AK Party, told journalists that Türkiye may witness significant developments in its Terror-Free Türkiye initiative, saying, “Hopefully, this month, we may see developments that indicate the process has reached a certain stage,” Celik said.

“The dissolution of the terror group and its disarmament following the call from Imrali would be a turning point,” he added.

Similarly, on April 22, representatives of the pro-Kurdish Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) reportedly met with imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence for terrorist activity.

On Feb. 27, from his prison cell on Imrali Island in the Sea of Marmara, Ocalan reportedly called on all PKK-affiliated terrorist groups to lay down arms and dissolve the organization.

In response, on March 1, the PKK declared a cease-fire and expressed readiness to convene a congress to consider the disbandment proposal.

DEM Party leader calls for disarmament and national unity

Speaking after a recent meeting, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan echoed Ocalan’s message, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to disarmament. “Weapons must be removed from the equation—not just physically, but mentally as well,” Bakirhan stated.

“Let’s revive the unifying and constructive spirit of April 23. Let’s build the next century together with a democratic nation consensus and a just, equal, and democratic constitution. Let’s walk together, let’s work together,” he added.

Responding to media questions following the meeting, Bakirhan addressed the next phase of the “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative, saying, “It’s time for concrete developments. This is what the people of Türkiye expect. Hopefully, good things will happen. We’ve talked enough—now is the time for action.”

When asked if he remains hopeful, Bakirhan said, “I see no reason at all not to be hopeful.”