The 12th Congress of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) was held between May 5 and 7 in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) with the participation of 232 delegates. At the congress, all delegates unanimously decided to end activities carried out under the name of the PKK.

We are publishing the report submitted by the PKK Central Committee to the historic 12th Congress:

"TO THE 12TH CONGRESS OF THE PKK!

Dear Comrades!

To begin with, we, on behalf of our Congress, greet with deep longing and respect Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan), the founder of the PKK, the leader of the Kurdish people and other peoples, the true comrade of women, the great social scientist and revolutionary, who led us to this congress, prepared our 12th Congress, enabled us to exist freely as a movement and a people, who has put up historic resistance in İmralı for 27 years, and created the Democratic Civilization Theory. We wish everyone fighting for Leader Apo's physical freedom the utmost success.

We are holding our Party Congress, which has been eagerly awaited by the entire public both at home and abroad, in May, the Month of Martyrs. We are commemorating the 48th anniversary of the martyrdom of Haki Karer, the great revolutionary and our first martyr, whom Leader Apo described as “my secret soul.” As is well known, our Movement is a Movement of the Leader, and a Party of Martyrs. Therefore, the 12th Congress is also guided by the reality of the Leader and the Martyrs. On this basis, we remember with deep respect, love, and gratitude all our heroic martyrs, numbering 45,000, from Haki Karer, who started the movement, to our party founders Ali Haydar Kaytan (Fuat) and Ali Rıza Altun, from Sakine Cansız (Sara) to the last martyrs of the historic Zap Resistance, Besê Tekoşîn, Mitra Kato, and Gabar Botan. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold their memory, keep their legacy alive, and achieve their goals.

One of the most dedicated contributors to our 12th Congress was our dear friend and comrade, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who has been the most helpful and supportive in the work of Leader Apo for the past 12 years. He lost his life on May 3 while working to bring to life the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” announced by Leader Apo on February 27. On this occasion, we remember Sırrı Süreyya Önder, our martyr for peace and democracy, with respect and gratitude. We affirm that we will successfully hold our Congress in memory of all these heroic martyrs.

Dear Comrades!

As is well known, the process leading up to our 12th Congress began with the meeting between Ömer Öcalan and Leader Apo on October 23, 2024. This meeting took place based on the statements and calls made by MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli since the beginning of October. During this meeting, Leader Apo declared to the public that he possessed the theoretical and practical power to shift the Kurdish issue from the grounds of violence and conflict to the grounds of democratic politics and law, provided that the necessary conditions were met. In the following months, the process developed with the Dem Party Delegation, including Sırrı Süreyya Önder, going to Imrali and meeting with Leader Apo and delivering his messages. Leader Apo first sent letters to the leaders of political parties in Turkey, and then to us. In these letters, he conveyed his views on the dissolution of the PKK and the end of armed struggle, stating that his historical mission had been completed. In our response to Leader Apo, we stated that we were ready to convene the anticipated congress, but that the relevant decisions could only be made if Leader Apo participated in the congress and guided it in some way.

Taking this process further, Leader Apo called on us in his “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” -announced through the Dem Party Delegation on February 27 - to hold a congress and take decisions on the dissolution of the PKK and the end of armed struggle. In this Call, he stated that he took full historical responsibility. In response to this Call, on March 1, we issued a statement announcing to the public that we had declared a unilateral ceasefire to help pave the way for the implementation of the views we had conveyed to Leader Apo in a letter. These issues sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally. We participated in these discussions as necessary, expressed our views, and endeavored to provide written and verbal assessments to ensure that our people and friends understood the process correctly and adequately. Additionally, we conveyed the notes from the meetings with Leader Apo and the instructions prepared on behalf of the PKK and PAJK leadership to our party structure. All of this is within the knowledge of our congress composition.

It can be said that the two months and one week that have passed since February 27 have been a period of intense political and psychological warfare. Despite all the impositions made by the state and the AKP government, we insisted on the participation and guidance of Leader Apo in the holding of the congress and the adoption of the decisions. This was because it was not possible for the anticipated and desired outcomes to be achieved in any other way. On this basis, numerous discussions were held on different methodological issues. Ultimately, although it was not entirely as we desired, we accepted the current situation in accordance with Leader Apo’s warning not to become overly fixated on the method. The necessary views and materials for the congress were received from Leader Apo. All of this is within the knowledge of our congress composition. The Congress Preparatory Committee appointed by our administration has deemed this condition appropriate for holding the 12th PKK Congress and adopting the decisions requested by Leader Apo.

In this context, it is clear that Leader Apo is the main person behind the congress. The main report and draft resolution of the congress are Leader Apo's “Perspective on the Process” and his letter. The reasons for adopting the proposed resolutions and the consequences they will have are summarized in these materials and are sufficient for understanding. Therefore, there is no question of us expressing our own views. There is no meaning or necessity in repeating what has already been expressed by Leader Apo. After reviewing the aforementioned materials, we deemed it appropriate and necessary to make this brief presentation to provide information about what we have done in the intervening period and to express our approach to the process.

Dear Comrades!

It is clear that our 12th Congress is not a normal congress where practical work and struggle issues are discussed and solutions are decided. On the contrary, it is a congress that aims to end the organizational structure of the PKK and marks a historic turning point. It is not merely a congress that decides to change the name of the PKK, undertaken by the Apoist Movement at the 1st Congress held on November 26-27, 1978, but a congress that foresees significant changes within the Apoist Movement, whose foundations were laid at Newroz 1973. Thus, it is a congress that aims to close a historical period in real terms, to establish the PKK in its historical place, and to pave the way for a new historical period in the struggle for freedom and a democratic society. In this regard, it requires a comprehensive evaluation of the 52-year period and taking its rich lessons.

In his Analyses and Defenses, Leader Apo has comprehensively and thoroughly outlined the characteristics and practical lessons of the different stages of this 52-year period. It is essential for us to repeatedly read and study these works, striving to grasp their entirety and depth. Particularly important is understanding the conditions under which the PKK emerged, the situation in Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world prior to the PKK, as well as the developments and changes that have taken place in Kurdistan and its surroundings over the past 52 years of struggle. As a result, today, the PKK is dissolving its organizational structure by a decision taken at its own congress; not as a result of attacks and demands by other forces. Firstly, it is necessary to see this reality clearly, understand it correctly, and never forget it. As can be seen, the PKK has not been destroyed or defeated despite all the attacks carried out by its opponents since its inception with the aim of destroying and eliminating it. The PKK has resisted all unlawful and unethical attacks, protected itself, remained standing, and achieved great historical successes.

On the other hand, no one can blame the PKK for having adopted certain fundamental understandings and methods 52 years ago, simply because it is now changing some of those understandings and methods. Those were the conditions at the time, and the PKK did not create those conditions; rather, it was forced to emerge under those conditions. Similarly, the prevailing understanding and methods at the time were what they were, and the newly emerging PKK had no choice but to adopt and implement them. In this regard, while seeking to correct certain fundamental issues today, one must avoid falling into the erroneous belief that these issues were inherently wrong from the outset and that the PKK was therefore fundamentally flawed from the start.

On the contrary, 52 years ago, the PKK emerged and developed as the most patriotic, revolutionary, and libertarian movement in Kurdistan. Leader Apo emerged as a shining sun for Kurdistan. On this basis, a great and meaningful development took place in Kurdistan, reversing history and putting an end to the history of enslavement and annihilation, and ushering in a new era of free existence. The fact that the PKK can envision such profound changes within itself today demonstrates how creative, courageous, and transformative it is. The forms of struggle and organization that it now seeks to change and transcend are aspects that have historically fulfilled their role but no longer serve the new situation and development. Those who cannot transcend or change organizational and struggle methods that have historically fulfilled their role and have become obstacles cannot make new breakthroughs, renew themselves, or escape the vortex of conservatism.

It is a very clear fact that what Leader Apo and the PKK have done in Kurdistan over the past 52 years, the developments they have brought about for the Kurdish people, women, and all oppressed people, can only be denied by cruel gods, in the words of Leader Apo. The Kurdish and Kurdistan reality, which was defeated, crushed and buried in the ground under colonialist-genocidal attacks, was exposed by Leader Apo and the PKK, and they created a great enlightenment around the Kurdish reality and issue. On this basis, Leader Apo is the enlightening sun of Kurdistan, and the PKK is the historical enlightenment movement.

Taking up the revolutionary task of revenge for the assassination of Haki Karer on May 18, 1977, the PKK launched a new freedom struggle for the people in Kurdistan with the Hilvan and Siverek resistance movements. In response to the fascist military coup of September 12, 1980, in Turkey, the PKK once again organized and led the resistance both inside and outside prisons. The 1982 Great Prison Resistance and, in particular, the July 14 Great Hunger Strike Resistance remain legendary; their impact has transcended Kurdistan, spreading throughout the region and the world. No one with a sound mind and integrity can say anything negative about this great self-sacrificing resistance.

Of course, there is also the enhancement and continuation of this prison resistance in the mountains with the Guerrilla Offensive of August 15, 1984. Despite all the deviations from the line and all the mistakes and shortcomings that occurred on this basis, there is no other equivalent in the world to the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrillas, who fought entirely on the line of self-sacrifice. This is a war waged by people with bare hearts, armed only with their patriotism and faith, against the most savage genocide perpetrated by humanity, against an enemy that has the global capitalist modernity system behind it and uses every means and method of warfare without regard to any legal or moral rules. Who could possibly say anything negative about such a guerrilla force? It is clear that no intelligent and honorable person would speak ill of this guerrilla force.

It is very clear that Leader Apo, who created all of this, is a great resistance and guerrilla genius. He has proven his correctness by achieving great successes at a time and in a place where everyone thought it was “impossible.” On this basis, the Hilvan and Siverek Resistance, the 1982 Great Prison Resistance, and the August 15 Guerrilla Offensive also represent the heroic period of Kurdistan and the Kurdish people. Thus, the PKK is not only an enlightenment movement but also a heroic movement of Kurdistan. Through this heroic struggle, the National Revival Revolution was realized, and the Women's Freedom Revolution was launched. Denial was shattered, the Kurdish existence was revealed, and among the Kurds, a process of developing an awareness of existence, self-awareness, organization for freedom, and struggle was initiated.

Although it represents a repetition within itself, the heroic resistance of the guerrillas against the Turkish state's comprehensive campaign of annihilation and liquidation between 1993 and 1998 is also of great importance. The gains that were achieved could only be secured through this resistance. Undoubtedly, one of the most important developments in the history of the PKK, and perhaps the most significant because it concerns all of humanity, is the paradigm shift initiated by Leader Apo in 2003. This change, which has separated the PKK from the paradigm of power and the state and brought it together with the paradigm of an ecological and women's libertarian democratic society, is in fact the beginning and essence of what is desired in practice today. With this paradigm shift, Leader Apo has become a global leader, and the Kurdish people, women, and youth have become a force serving and leading the struggle for humanity. The fact that the PKK has not fully achieved the necessary change and transformation over the past twenty years is a shortcoming on its part. However, the great resistance of the guerrillas and the people in the face of the attacks launched by the state and the AKP government to prevent this has also played a role in preserving the gains made.

We are providing this brief summary of the past struggle so that we may approach the past without falling into a position of denial, while criticizing the mistakes and shortcomings of the past and putting an end to forms of struggle and organization that have now been overcome. Because when the PKK dissolves its organizational structure, those who seek to reverse this process, those who have always claimed that the PKK was wrong, and those who adopt a denialist approach toward the PKK's reality will emerge. Such sworn enemies of the Leader and the PKK are lying in wait, biding their time. It is essential to be well aware of this reality and to remain vigilant and engage in an effective struggle against such attacks. For this, it is as important not to be influenced by such denialist approaches as it is to distinguish between criticism and self-criticism and denialist attacks, and to know how to fight against these attacks. At this point, it is important to be vigilant and take precautions against the attacks of statist Kurdish nationalism and the Turkish special war system, both right and left.

Dear Comrades!

When weighed and measured, the fact that the PKK has many positive aspects cannot be denied. In fact, the Kurdish people and their friends, especially Kurdish women and youth, are well aware of this situation. Therefore, it may not be necessary to express this situation here in such detail. The Apoist Leadership and the PKK represent a reality that has left its mark on the last fifty years of Kurdistan's history and has revived Kurdishness, which had actually been extinguished, in terms of freedom. The Kurds have reached the standards of freedom in terms of consciousness, organization, and action during this period. In short, the PKK has become a new era in Kurdish history and the birth of a new free Kurdishness in Kurdistan. Free life and a democratic nation society have been achieved in Kurdistan on this basis.

However, although this is the main direction, it does not mean that there is nothing that the PKK should have done but failed to do, or that it has done anything wrong. Undoubtedly, there are many things that it has failed to do, and many things that it has done wrongly or inadequately. Naturally, all of this is a matter of serious criticism and self-criticism for us. First, it is not wrong to make the following general statement: The practices carried out in the name of the PKK have, for the most part, been inadequate and weak according to the Apoist line. In other words, the implementation has lagged behind the line. Additionally, there have been instances of practices deviating from the line. Leader Apo expressed this situation by saying, “I can only put five percent of my thoughts into practice.”

Looking back at the practical process, we see that the Siverek resistance was flawed in its approach, and that serious difficulties and mistakes were made when moving from the city to the mountains and from individual activism to guerrilla warfare. It is also well known that narrow, conservative, defensive, and gang-like approaches were overly imposed against the guerrilla forces that developed on the basis of the August 15, 1984, Offensive. The fact that the guerrilla forces were unable to achieve military victory through strategic attacks in the early 1990s is also an important issue for evaluation. The role played by strategic allies such as the revolutionary movement in Turkey and the world's socialist forces is, of course, important in this regard; however, the guerrillas’ failure to become a force for change was also due to its own mistakes and shortcomings. Just as military victory could not be achieved in the first half of the 1990s, the failure to pave the way for a political solution clearly demonstrated that the PKK could not achieve its ultimate goal within the nation-state paradigm. At this point, Leader Apo views the failure to implement the necessary theoretical-ideological changes alongside the strategic shift that emerged as a bottleneck factor, and refers to the period that followed as “excessive repetition.” In essence, he states that the PKK should have undergone fundamental strategic and organizational changes during that period.

This is why the PKK was unable to prevent the international conspiracy attack and prevent the February 15 conspiracy from being carried out. The PKK made serious mistakes and omissions in seeing, understanding, and fighting against the conspiracy. This is why the February 15 conspiracy and the Imrali isolation, torture, and genocide system could easily be implemented. Serious mistakes and shortcomings were also made in the struggle following the conspiracy. The failure to sufficiently recognize or prevent the purges of 2002-2004 is at the forefront of these. Leader Apo prevented and overcame this situation by articulating the paradigm shift in broad terms and bringing the reconstruction of the PKK to the agenda, thereby purging the purges.

It is essential to clearly recognize what has not been achieved over the past twenty years based on the Democratic Civilization Paradigm, as well as the mistakes and shortcomings in what has been accomplished. For today and the future, the lessons of this process are much more meaningful and instructive. For this reason, all party cadres, especially members of the administration, must approach this process in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, develop an approach to criticism and self-criticism that yields results, and educate and renew themselves based on the lessons learned from what has not been done and what has been done incorrectly. Because participation in the upcoming process and the success of the process will be based on this foundation. Again, the current situation based on the new paradigm is similar to what happened in the early 1990s based on the old paradigm. In other words, it shows that a sufficiently successful practice has not been developed based on the new paradigm. If there had been sufficient success, we would not be facing such processes today. In fact, we often express and acknowledge this situation by saying, “We have not been able to enter the new paradigm.”

Looking back over the past twenty years, we see the following: While the new paradigm will unify us further in society, we are experiencing a period in which we are most disconnected from society as cadres, even as the movement is growing in size. While we should be developing more communal and community-based organizations and lifestyles, we are experiencing a period in which individualism and materialism are at their peak. It should be noted that ideological work is not developing an effective mindset and lifestyle revolution based on democratic modernity, nor is it bringing forth a communal personality. Instead, the individualism of capitalist modernity's liberalism is being experienced to an extreme degree, and the struggle against the male-dominated mentality and the development of a free life based on women's freedom are very weak. In short, ideology has not been socialized, and on this basis, social education and organization have not been developed, resulting in a situation where serious individualism and ineffectiveness prevail in leadership as well.

It is clear that we have failed to establish a proper democratic society education and organization in mass work, and therefore we have been unable to advance the construction work we have been talking about so much. Everything exists as bureaucratic institutions, but they are either empty or operate along the lines of the state and power. We use the concepts of the new paradigm, but for the most part, the characteristics of the old paradigm are still present. We are very weak in developing a social line in politics and diplomacy; either we are unable to do this work, or we cannot transcend the boundaries of power and the state. We have failed to develop and implement social self-defense education and organization in the military sphere, remaining at the level of a guerrilla force isolated from society and completely surrounded in the mountains. This situation has not only increased our losses but also weakened the propaganda and political impact of our fight. We have increasingly been reduced to fighting effectively only in a very narrow area.

No matter how much we express this in words, all of this shows that we have not fully adopted the new paradigm in our mindset and approach, nor have we put it into practice. This situation is the main cause of the difficulties we are experiencing today. Increasingly, this situation is becoming almost accepted as normal. We must view Leader Apo's current statement as an intervention in this situation and, accordingly, correct and renew ourselves with a proper and sufficient self-critical approach in order to prepare for the new process. All comrades should know that we are in a serious and clear process of self-criticism on this basis. When Leader Apo says, “The Congress will last a few months, renewal is necessary,” this is essentially what he means. In fact, we must view the Leader’s current initiative as an intervention aimed at our situation and undergo a serious self-criticism and renewal process as a whole, based on new perspectives. It is of great importance that we understand this and act accordingly, knowing that we can only move forward with the leader on this basis.

Dear Comrades!

Undoubtedly, the problems we have encountered in understanding and implementing the paradigm of democratic modernity, as well as the mistakes and shortcomings we have fallen into, do not mean that we have not carried out a revolutionary struggle over the past twenty years. A one-sided and denialist approach to the processes and practices is not correct. On the contrary, very important work has been carried out and a great struggle has been waged over the past twenty years on the basis of the new paradigm. First and foremost, the international conspiracy attacks have been frustrated, and the success of the conspiracy has been prevented, rendering it futile. Significant progress has been made in the massification of the movement and, in particular, in the development of the women's freedom revolution. The struggle for freedom has spread across the four parts of Kurdistan, affecting the entire Middle East and the world. The Rojava Freedom Revolution and the resistance that defeated ISIS have brought new hope and excitement to all of humanity.

While the first ten years of the past twenty years were marked by a multifaceted tactical struggle, the last ten years have witnessed the all-out historic resistance of our Movement, our people, and our friends against the comprehensive fascist-genocidal attacks aimed at crushing, destroying, and eliminating our Freedom Movement, based on the “Collapse Action Plan.” During this process, the self-sacrificing resistance developed by our heroic guerrilla forces across the Medya Defense Zones centered around Zap and across Kurdistan has led the entire struggle, shattering every fascist-genocidal attack and thwarting the plan. The tunnel warfare that took place in the Medya Defense Zones centered around Zap has revealed a new peak of self-sacrifice in our freedom resistance.

All NATO-backed enemy attacks have been crushed through coordinated combat operations involving teams and tunnels. In response to the intelligence and technology developed by the enemy, the guerrilla forces have developed their own technology through their own efforts, thereby dismantling the “Collapse Action Plan.” Under the leadership of the heroic guerrilla resistance, the uninterrupted resistance demonstrated by our women's and youth movements, our people, and our allies, along with the Global Freedom Campaign launched on October 10, 2023, has shattered all enemy attacks aimed at annihilation and liquidation, forcing the state and its regime to once again knock on the door of Leader Apo. This is the fundamental development that has led us to this congress and the new process. Yes, this struggle has not overthrown the regime and has not brought us victory on this basis, but by striking a blow to the Kurdish-enemy, colonialist, and genocidal fascist mentality and system, deepening its crisis and chaos, and bringing it to the brink of collapse and disintegration, it has forced the system to once again recognize Leader Apo as an interlocutor. Although it is not at the desired level, this is an important result and development, and it is an undeniable fact that the great struggle waged by our Movement and our people over the past decade has led to this. To such an extent that the AKP regime and the Turkish state have no other option but to turn to Leader Apo.

However, the spread of World War III in the Middle East, the results of the Gaza War that began on October 7, 2023, the heavy blows suffered by Hamas and Hezbollah in the face of Israeli attacks, and the collapse of the Baath regime in Syria, which brought the process of change in the region to Iran and Turkey, have also played an important role in our development of the current process. The panic caused by this situation in the Turkish Republic and under the AKP-MHP government, the fear for survival it has exposed, and the addition of the imposition of change by the transnational capitalist system fromoutside to the democratic change demanded by our Movement and the Turkish people inside, have been the fundamental factors that prompted Devlet Bahçeli to take action and make his well-known speeches and calls.

The current situation we are experiencing is the result of the mentioned political and military developments. Assessing the effects of the Third World War on Turkey through our guerrilla and popular resistance, Leader Apo has also developed this new process in response to the calls in question. While the new steps we are taking have an important ideological, organizational, and strategic dimension, it is also clear that they are based on significant political and military developments. These have been sufficiently evaluated by Leader Apo and our movement, and all comrades are aware of this situation. However, as we move forward in this new process, we must never forget these realities and closely monitor the developments and changes taking place on this basis.

Dear Comrades!

It is clear that the 12th PKK Congress we are holding is taking place 12 years after the 11th Congress. Under normal circumstances and in accordance with our statutes, we should have held two more congresses during this period. In other words, this congress should have been the 14th Congress. However, despite appointing a Preparatory Committee on several occasions during the past period and making the necessary practical preparations, we were unable to hold these congresses. While security concerns were a factor, the main reason was that we were unable to reach the level required to hold a congress and make new decisions at the congress level.

As is well known, the 11th Congress was held based on the practical guidance of Leader Apo, who assigned tasks and set historic tasks before us. Convening a new congress required the successful completion of these historic tasks. As can be seen, during the past period, we were unable to fully achieve this success and failed to create the groundwork for Leader Apo to place a new congress on the agenda. Consequently, we were unable to reach the level of making new decisions at the congress level. Although we occasionally made decisions and plans to hold a congress, ultimately, it was not possible to implement these. Our Central and Executive Committee meetings were sufficient to make the decisions and draw up the plans required for the struggle to be carried out on the basis of the revolutionary people's war strategy. Within this framework, we held Central Committee and Executive Committee meetings as necessary and as required during the past period and tried to take the decisions needed for our historic resistance at these meetings. We have largely met the needs of both the struggle and the organization through these meetings. Undoubtedly, this situation contains mistakes and shortcomings that require criticism and self-criticism, and we are already approaching the process on this basis. We are striving to draw the correct and sufficient lessons from our mistakes and shortcomings by examining them along with their causes.

Now, 12 years later, the conditions are ripe for us to hold a new congress and convene the 12th PKK Congress. Leader Apo is once again stepping forward and has personally prepared the congress. He has brought us to the point where we can make decisions at the congress level. On this basis, it is essential that we fully comprehend how we have reached the 12th Congress and the historical meaning and significance of our 12th Congress.

As can be seen, our 12th Congress, just like our 1st Congress held 47 years ago, carries great historical significance. Undoubtedly, it builds upon the developments brought about by 47 years of party struggle and even contains more profound and comprehensive meanings than the first founding congress. The 1st Congress marked the official establishment of the party and represented a radical intervention in history leading to national annihilation, as well as the decision and declaration of the beginning of a new era of freedom. Our 12th Congress signifies the conclusion of a period conducted by the PKK and paves the way for the initiation of a new era in the history of freedom. The 1st Congress was primarily a call to the Kurdish people; now, the 12th Congress is a call to all oppressed peoples, especially women and youth, alongside the Kurdish people. It aims to pave the way for a new struggle that will initiate the liberation of all oppressed peoples. Dissolving the PKK's organizational structure, ceasing activities under the name PKK, and ending armed struggle as a fundamental strategy means opening the way for the struggle for Kurdish freedom and for a democratic society in all areas through new strategies and organizations.

It should be noted that the name PKK is insufficient to express the ideological foundations and social basis of the democratic modernity paradigm. We have not been able to sufficiently achieve the necessary change and transformation within the framework of a change in mentality and organizational restructuring; now Leader Apo is intervening in this situation and, through decisions taken at the congress level, he seeks to pave the way for and implement the aforementioned change and restructuring through radical measures such as the dissolution of the PKK and the end of armed struggle. Leader Apo has changed himself and made a decision. Based on this, he wants to change the party and us. By relying on the change of the vanguard, he aims to change society and the system. It is essential for all of us to correctly understand these realities embodied by the 12th Congress and prepare ourselves to participate in the new process by experiencing our own change and transformation.

Dear Comrades!

It is very clear that the dissolution of the PKK's organizational structure is not an absolute end in the revolutionary freedom movement, but rather a new beginning. The Apoist Movement is ending the period it has carried out under the name PKK, placing the PKK in its historical place and paving the way for a new period for itself, thus initiating such a period. Above all, it is essential that we all clearly see this reality and deeply understand it on the right basis. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to renew ourselves on this basis and prepare ourselves for the new process of the Apoist Movement.

We all know very well why such a fundamental change is necessary. We have been experiencing such a process of change and transformation for the past twenty, even thirty years. Leader Apo sought to realize the strategic dimension of such a change with the ceasefire of March 17, 1993. However, for various reasons, we were unable to achieve this. Throughout the 1990s, he sought to reveal the ideological and organizational dimensions of change through his assessments of socialism. He sought to overcome the ideological and organizational crisis caused by real socialism. Following the February 15, 1999, conspiracy and under the İmralı isolation, torture, and genocide system, he further deepened his efforts to overcome this crisis and his intensifications based on it. In his defense titled “From the Sumerian Priesthood State to Democratic Civilization,” prepared in 2001, he brought up the issue of changing the name of the PKK. At the 8th Congress held in early April 2002, this name change was implemented, and the KADEK organization was put on the agenda in place of the PKK.

Leader Apo overcame the ideological and organizational crisis in question through the intensification of the 2003-2004 process and the paradigm shift he implemented. On this basis, he redefined the PKK and brought the reconstruction of the PKK onto the agenda as a measure against liquidation. In his defense titled “Defending a People,” he laid out the basic principles of his ecological, women's libertarian and democratic society paradigm, which he elaborated in the five-volume “Democratic Society Manifesto.” In fact, over the past twenty years, we needed to change, renew, and restructure ourselves in accordance with the requirements of this paradigm in terms of mentality, ideology, strategy, and organizational structure. It was our failure to achieve this correctly, sufficiently, and completely that led to the current radical change and decision-making at the 12th Congress.

The points of change that we have been unable to achieve in terms of mindset and style are once again clearly summarized by Leader Apo in the Perspective he presented at the 12th Congress. Therefore, it is essential that we all correctly understand and deeply internalize the issues expressed in the Perspective. As the administration, we fully agree with all of these and are committed to transforming ourselves on this basis. As Apoist cadres, it is necessary for all of us to correctly understand these issues and carry out the revolution of mindset and conscience, the revolution of personality, on this basis.

As Leader Apo clearly stated the decisions that the 12th Congress should take, he also explained the reasons for them very clearly. For example, he clearly stated the requirements of this situation in terms of socialist theory and style of struggle, that statist and militant socialism has been resolved and overcome by the practice of real socialism, and that democratic socialism based on democratic politics should be adopted. On this basis, he emphasizes the importance of democratic socialist struggle and internationalist organization. Undoubtedly, he also sufficiently addresses the effects of this situation on Kurdistan and the PKK, as well as the new situation that has emerged in Kurdistan with the PKK struggle. For example, he states that with the PKK's resistance, the denial and annihilation of the Kurds have been rendered futile, the existence and awareness of the Kurds have been established, the PKK has fulfilled its historical role in achieving this, and that the process has now become one of resolving the issue of freedom, which can only be achieved through democratic politics and struggle.

Leader Apo's statements on the issue of Kurdistan and Kurdish freedom are very clear and concrete; therefore, they require further consideration, correct understanding, and thorough interiorization. First of all, Leader Apo is categorically opposed to the nation-state ideology and the state-centric solution based on it. Since the national liberation war is the fundamental struggle strategy of the nation-state solution, he is now completely opposed to it as well. With regard to the Kurdish question, he bases himself on the democratic nation solution instead of the nation-state solution, considers this necessary for all parts of Kurdistan, and envisions a democratic political struggle strategy instead of a national liberation war strategy on this basis. It should be noted that here, both the conditions under which the PKK emerged and the paradigm shift brought about by Leader Apo have necessitated changes in the program and fundamental strategy.

It is possible to elaborate further on the similar reasons Leader Apo presented for the decisions he wanted taken at the 12th Congress. However, these are quite concrete, clear, and understandable in Leader Apo's Perspective and Letter. Therefore, there is little need or meaning in repeating them. It is necessary for all of us to understand these ideas correctly and internalize them. Only then will we truly understand and embrace Leader Apo's reality, thereby becoming successful implementers. When this happens, we will correctly and sufficiently understand what Leader Apo wants to achieve, why it is necessary to close one era and open a new one; and only then will we experience the enthusiasm and excitement of such a process.

Dear Comrades!

The PKK has created the most glorious period in the history of Kurdistan. Being a member of the PKK has become synonymous with Kurdish heroism, bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice. It represents the free existence and life of the Kurdish people based on women's freedom. It is the re-creation of the Kurdish reality along the Apoist line. In Kurdistan, courage and self-sacrifice along the lines of honor, dignity, loyalty, and devotion, as well as solidarity and sharing, have found new meaning with the PKK. The Apoist Movement has created all of this under the name of the PKK, and now, with its 12th Congress, it is placing this truth in its rightful place in Kurdistan's history. All of this is being done entirely by its own free will and decision, in order to advance further toward a free life and a democratic society. The PKK will always be remembered and live on as the true heroic and freedom movement of Kurdistan's history.

It is very clear that the PKK has left a powerful and significant legacy for the Kurdish people and the freedom movement. Now, this legacy will be brought to life through the new directions of the Apoist Movement and will continue to develop and advance the free life and democratic society in Kurdistan. Remaining committed to the reality of the PKK and using the legacy it has created correctly will pave the way for even greater freedom and democratic developments in the coming period.

So how will this happen? Undoubtedly, just as nothing happens by itself, this will not happen by itself. Without question, everything will be achieved through the self-power and will of the people, under the leadership of women and young people. However, the role of the organized and active vanguard cadre will be of decisive importance. In other words, the role and duty of professional revolutionary fighters is not over; on the contrary, a greater and more essential task is now beginning. Therefore, all existing cadres must renew themselves through education and self-criticism and join this new process. To this end, it is important to stand firm and conscious within the Apoist paradigm. A very strong ideological and organizational stance is required. It is necessary to demonstrate the ability to struggle with different strategies and tactics and to act with endless creativity. Especially in the coming period, it is necessary to succeed in standing and moving forward in an organized manner under the leadership of thought and ideology, even without an official organization and administration. For all of this, it is necessary to further strengthen participation in Leader Apo based on consciousness and belief.

Dear Comrades!

Let us understand our history correctly and never act according to our own whims and make mistakes. When we take a look at our history, we will see that Apoism came first. Apoism was a mindset, a way of life, an ideology, an organization, and a line of action for us. Leader Apo meant this when he said, “I gave this movement its name.” The Apoist Movement successively named itself the “Kurdistan Revolutionaries,” the “Kurdistan Revolutionary Youth Union,” and the “Kurdistan Workers’ Party-PKK” and put these names into practice. It sought to put the Apoist line into practice by creating a wide variety of organizations and social systems in different fields. Within this framework, it drew Kurdish society into a thousand and one organizations in the four parts of Kurdistan and abroad, as expressed by Leader Apo's “network organization,” and turned it into an important organized society. The dissolution of the PKK does not, of course, mean leaving Kurdish society unorganized. If that were the case, it would lead to the annihilation of the Kurds. Indeed, Kurdish society exists to the extent that it is organized and active. For this reason, we must never misunderstand, be influenced by deceptive attacks, and continue our struggle to build a peaceful and democratic society with the goal of achieving Leader Apo's physical freedom, without hesitation or interruption. Of course, activities under the name of the PKK will be terminated, but the Kurdish community's other democratic political organizations will continue to develop. The disarmament and disbanding of the armed struggle organizations envisaged by the dissolution will take place if appropriate conditions are created. Ideological, political, and social work within the Kurdish community will continue through the existing democratic organizations. In fact, the organizational network in question will be expanded and adapted to the purpose.

It is clear that we are Apoists. If we are true and steadfast Apoists, that is, if we follow the truth of Leader Apo like Haki and Kemal, like Mazlum and Hayri, like Karasungur and Agit, like Fuat and Rıza, like Sara, Beritan, and Zilan, like Nuda, Viyan, and Şilan, like Delal, Çiçek, and Leyla, with consciousness and faith, then we will overcome every difficulty, surmount every obstacle, and inevitably triumph in the process ahead. We must all believe in this with all our hearts and, taking this stance as our foundation, know how to walk this path to the very end.

We extend our best wishes for the success of our 12th Congress and sincerely believe that it will be successful. We call upon all female and male comrades, starting with those present at the Congress, to correctly understand and successfully implement the decisions of the 12th Congress, to renew themselves along the Apoist line and become determined militants ready for the new process, to participate in the Apoist line with consciousness and belief, and to unite more strongly around Leader Apo!

The PKK, which created Kurdish freedom and democratic socialist society, will always live on and be remembered!

Forward on the Apoist Line, which is always renewing itself and running from victory to victory!

Martyrs are immortal!

Long live Leader APO!

May 4, 2025

PKK CENTRAL COMMITTEE"