The Confederation of Kurdistan Democratic Communities in Germany (KON-MED) held its 4th Ordinary Congress in Bergisch Gladbach, Cologne, on Sunday. The congress was attended by KON-MED Co-Chairs Ruken Akça and Kerem Gök, Kurdish Democratic Communities in Europe (KCDK-E) Co-Chair Engin Sever, Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus, PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan) Executive Council Member Siyamend Mûînî, members of the Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA), the Kurdistan Islamic Community, representatives of women's and youth movements, language institutions, the Association of Martyrs' Families (KOMAW), as well as representatives from the fields of culture, sports, ecology, and foreign relations.

Focus on isolation and prospects for peace

The congress began with a minute's silence for those who have fallen in the Kurdish freedom struggle. In her opening speech, KON-MED co-chair Ruken Akça denounced the ongoing isolation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on the Turkish prison island of Imrali and criticized the insufficient progress in the fight for his release.

Akça emphasized that Öcalan's February 27 ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ paved the way for a new phase of dialogue and a possible solution. “We must strengthen our structures in Germany, defend ourselves against the German state's assimilation policy, and expand our local organizations. This century will be the century of the Kurdish people,” she said.

Kerem Gök, also co-chair of KON-MED, remembered those who died in the Kurdish liberation struggle and talked about a “52-year struggle for freedom” linked to Öcalan's philosophy. He called for the release of Kurdish politician Yüksel Koç, who's in jail in Bremen, and other political prisoners in Germany.

Broad political support and call for unity

Engin Sever, co-chair of KCDK-E, said that KON-MED represents the voice of around two million Kurds in Germany.

Sever said that Öcalan's call for peace is not only directed at them, but at all peoples of the Middle East, referring to historical crimes against ethnic and religious minorities in the region.

KNK Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus pointed to the profound geopolitical shifts in the Middle East in light of the war between Israel and Iran. He stated that the Treaty of Lausanne had lost its validity and that there was an urgent need for a unified Kurdish strategy: “All political actors and organizations must fulfill their responsibilities and take Öcalan's call seriously.”

PJAK Executive Council Member Siyamend Mûînî welcomed those present with the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom) and warned of the consequences of war and hatred policies. He emphasized that Öcalan's approach to a solution is based on dialogue and peace, which is particularly relevant in times of increasing military escalation.

Left Party stands in solidarity with Kurds

Guests from German politics were also present. Heiner Kockerbeck, who spoke on behalf of the Left Party, DIE LINKE, in the Cologne City Council, emphasized his party's solidarity with the Kurdish movement.

Congress elects new leadership and discusses work reports

Following the speeches, the activity reports of KON-MED and the Association of Women from Kurdistan in Germany (YJK-E) were presented, discussed, and evaluated. Finally, a new leadership was elected for the coming year.