Confederation of Kurdistan Communities in Germany (KON-MED) Co-Chair Ruken Akça stated that the march in Cologne will not be merely a protest but “a declaration to the world of the Kurdish people’s will for freedom, national unity and demand for a democratic solution.” She added, “This march is also a call to give societal support to the negotiation process and to strengthen the perspective of peace and democracy.”
The international campaign “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” launched on 10 October 2023 with the participation of globally known public figures, has entered its third year. On this occasion, a march and rally will be held on 8 November at 11:00 at Deutzer Werft in Cologne under the slogan “Political Solution to the Kurdish Question, Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan.” KON-MED Co-Chair Ruken Akça spoke to ANF and said, “We invite the Kurdish people, our friends and all democratic circles in Europe to join with strong participation.”
Kurds waged a universal struggle
Ruken Akça stated that the Kurdish people have waged an honourable struggle for decades, noting that this long and challenging process has unfolded at great cost yet has also been shaped by a strong social consciousness and democratic will. She emphasized that this struggle is not only a national one but also a universal struggle for an equal, just and peaceful future for all peoples.
Akça referred to Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” issued on 27 February and underlined the importance of Kurds and their friends taking a united stance in Cologne. Akça continued: “Öcalan has played a historic role in transforming this long period of conflict into a search for peace, democratic solution and common life among peoples. The process that began on 27 February has created an important opportunity for the shared future of peoples. Whether this process yields positive and lasting results depends on a strong stance based on unity and solidarity by both the Kurdish people and our friends.”
Cologne march is not merely a protest
Ruken Akça stated that defining the Cologne march and rally as merely a protest would be insufficient and said: “The march to be held in Cologne is not just a demonstration; it is a day to declare to the world our people’s will for freedom, national unity and demand for a democratic solution. This march is also a call to give societal support to the negotiation process and to strengthen the perspective of peace and democracy. For this reason, we call on all our people and our friends to join this historic march. Let us unite around the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and come together in Cologne for the common future of peoples, for freedom, peace and democracy.”
Preparations are underway in every area
Ruken Akça, who is also part of the Cologne March Preparation Committee, stated that the organized power of the Kurdish community living in Europe, the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E), tThe Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe (TJK-E) and KON-MED, along with all their components, have formed a joint coordination and are working together.
Akça said, “As KON-MED, we are hosting this significant and meaningful march. Work has already begun in all our regions and areas. Public meetings are being held, families and shopkeepers are being visited. Posters and leaflets are being distributed for awareness and information.”
Akça stated that the momentum achieved over the past two years within the framework of the campaign “Freedom for Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question” is no longer sufficient and added: “Because Öcalan still has not been physically freed. We call on our entire people and our friends, especially women, to take the lead in this process, to secure the freedom of Öcalan, and to defend the status and will of the Kurdish people.”