WAN – Democratic Union Initiative Co-Spokesperson Sayyiğit stated, “We must focus on the rights and status of the Kurdish people. Our ideas may differ, but there are issues where we must unite; this is our red line.”

 

Following Abdullah Öcalan’s call on February 27, the Democratic Union Initiative has accelerated its efforts. Initiative Co-spokesperson Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit noted that Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on February 27 has opened a new chapter in Kurdish politics. While meetings and contacts continue across the four parts of Kurdistan to achieve Kurdish unity, she highlighted the critical importance of national unity.

 

“The Kurdish issue is deeply historical. Unfortunately, the Kurdish people have failed to unify due to nation-states, wars, and family interests. This has lasted for a century. But now, efforts for Kurdish unity have begun, and we are actively involved. We believe this century should be the century of the Kurdish people,” Sayyiğit stated.

 

‘THIS CENTURY SHOULD BE THE CENTURY OF THE KURDS’

 

The Democratic Union Initiative, established on May 11, focuses on unity efforts, Sayyiğit explained. Viewing the Kurdish issue as one of democracy, freedom, and status, she added, “Kurdistan is home to diverse religions and identities, so our work includes everyone under this umbrella, especially in Northern Kurdistan.”

 

She emphasized the positive atmosphere Öcalan’s call has created not only for Northern Kurdistan and Turkey but for all four parts of Kurdistan and the Middle East, calling it “an important opportunity we must seize.”

 

‘OUR GOAL IS KURDISH UNITY’

 

Sayyiğit underlined that the ongoing process following Öcalan’s peace call aims to achieve Kurdish National Unity. The initiative currently operates in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey, including various political groups, though some remain outside but are in talks to join. “We call on everyone struggling for Kurdish unity to join our initiative,” she said.

 

‘UNITY IS A RED LINE’

 

Referring to Öcalan’s remarks on internal divisions weakening the Kurdish cause, Sayyiğit explained, “Different family and party interests must be set aside to focus solely on Kurdish rights and status. Our ideas may vary, but unity on some issues is non-negotiable.

 

She noted historic meetings with Kurdish leaders across regions and highlighted the July 11 historic weapons burning ceremony as a sign of collective Kurdish voice.

 

WOMEN LEADING THE WAY

 

Sayyiğit also pointed to the special warfare strategies employed by nation-states to divide and weaken Kurds. The initiative addresses not only political but societal problems and has established central commissions in Wan and Amed to actively tackle these issues.

 

“Kurdish women have carried the heaviest burdens and are leading the resistance. We have founded the Kurdish Women’s Unity Platform in the North and established an International Kurdish Women’s Platform,” she said, describing extensive conferences held throughout Kurdistan and the diaspora.

 

She announced plans for another international women’s conference in early 2026 or 2027, emphasizing that women shoulder a significant role in the fight for Kurdish unity.

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut