As part of events marking Abdullah Öcalan’s birthday, Dr. Thomas Jeffrey Miley, a political sociology expert at the University of Cambridge and representative of the “Campaign for Peace in Kurdistan,” visited Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where Öcalan was kidnapped as part of an international conspiracy. Dr. Miley spoke to journalist Erem Kansoy from Medya Haber.

Great Interest in Democratic Confederalism in Kenya

Miley said that Kenya, in the context of the conspiracy, has a past, a present, and a future: "The past is linked to Öcalan’s abduction in Nairobi. As for the present, people involved in the social justice movement, particularly in informal settlements around Nairobi, show great interest in Öcalan’s idea of democratic confederalism. They are organizing for radical democracy, gender freedom, and ecological sustainability against the state. In essence, they are organizing along lines close to democratic confederalism and find Öcalan’s ideas compelling."

Miley added that "Öcalan’s ideas play a significant role. It’s a very interesting place, and Öcalan’s ideas are truly taking root here. As I said, there is also a history here linked to Öcalan’s abduction."

Miley said Öcalan’s ideas are taking root in Kenya and that people there express a need for democracy. Emphasizing the interest in democratic confederalism, he noted that "in this context, they are trying to learn Öcalan’s ideas in more depth. They constantly ask, ‘How is democratic confederalism built?’ This is a ‘movement of movements’ within social justice centers and the broader social justice movement. Many members of this movement are associated with various branches of the Marxist left, but increasingly, young people are engaging with Öcalan’s ideas and his critique of Marxism. They believe democratic confederalism is applicable under their own conditions."

'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society'

As to Abdullah Öcalan’s 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society' issued on 27 February, Dr. Miley said: "Öcalan has been calling for peace since 1993. He can eliminate the pretext for attacks against the Kurdish people and pave the way for a democratic, peaceful alternative. That’s why I view this statement as a very positive development. But as I said, it’s not something new."

Dr. Miley argued that Öcalan’s freedom is an inseparable part of the peace process, adding: "Conditions have somewhat eased. More people are now allowed to visit him. But he is still held under inhumane conditions. For the peace process to reach a conclusion, there must be progress toward Öcalan’s freedom. The Turkish state must take the necessary steps to show it is ready for peace."