Message from Sirwan Kawsi regarding the Reactivation of the Kurdistan National Congress
Distinguished Compatriots, may the greetings of freedom and independence be upon you. I trust this message finds you in good health.
It is a source of immense pride and joy for me to stand today among the devoted patriots of Kurdistan’s new generation, discussing the resumption of the national struggle and the revitalization of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNC). It is a profound honor that you, distinguished Compatriots, have made the historic decision to continue our sacred national cause and the fight for independence under the banner of the Congress.
Distinguished Compatriots,
We are all aware that the struggle for Kurdistan’s independence spans more than a century. The early chapters of our liberation movement were guided by tribal chiefs, princes, and religious figures. The great scholar, Jamal Nebez, defined this era as the “Stage of Classical Leadership,” beginning with Sheikh Ubeidullah of Shamzin and concluding with the movement of Mulla Mustafa Barzani. Alongside these leaders, as early as the 1930s, national organizations such as Hiwa, Brayeti, and Darker were established in Southern Kurdistan. Visionaries like Rafiq Hilmi, Sheikh Mahmud Hafid, and Dildar (the poet of our anthem “Ey Reqib”) were among their founders. Thus, when Sheikh Mahmud, the King of Kurdistan, declared independence, it was not an impulsive act, but the culmination of organized institutional struggle.
From that era to this day, the torch of independence has been carried by academics, writers, politicians, and national organizations. Yet, if we compare the past to the present, we witness a regression in national consciousness. Undoubtedly, this is partly due to the century-long policies of genocide enacted by our occupiers—specifically the cultural genocide targeting our language and history. However, the primary cause of this retreat from the ideology of “Selfhood” (Xoyîbûn) is the rise of “Non-National Parties” in Kurdistan. These entities have pursued, and continue to pursue, such destructive policies regarding independence that they act not as liberators, but as architects of catastrophe for the Kurds.
In the early 20th century, Sheikh Mahmud declared an Independent Kingdom in a small region of the South. In stark contrast, during the late 20th century—after the atrocities of Anfal, Halabja, and the scorching of our land—Kurdish leaders ignored the global sympathy emerging for our cause. Instead, they went to Baghdad to kiss the boots of the bloodthirsty Saddam, merely to beg for autonomy. In the early 1900s, across the East, South, and North, the Kurdish nation ignited great uprisings for independence. Yet today, in the 21st century, after a hundred years of sacrifice, leaders compete in calling for surrender, disarmament, and “democratizing Turkey.” The Kurdish-speaking non-national party surrenders Kirkuk and half of the South to the occupier. In Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat), the parties remain so fragmented and conflicted that they cannot agree on a single fundamental principle.
We recognize these truths because we look at the Kurdish issue through the lens of national interest. Yet, amidst the political chaos created by these parties, we see a promising national awareness rising among the youth and intelligentsia of Eastern Kurdistan. Through films, literature, and civil activities, it is evident that this part of Kurdistan is strides ahead of the others today. Similarly, in the North and South, numerous national intellectual circles are emerging. This positive shift creates an urgent need for a national institution like the KNC to serve as a unifying umbrella for all Kurdish patriots.
Beloved Compatriots,
The national struggle of previous generations, including that of the KNC, was not without its flaws. Organizations like Kajik, Pasok, and later the Congress itself, despite their sincerity, struggled to fully root themselves in society. Speaking from my own experience: The KNC was for years the largest national institution abroad, with branches extending into Kurdistan. Regrettably, over a decade ago, operations ceased due to internal disputes over the “Presidency.” A lack of financial transparency, weak diplomacy, and other structural issues caused the Congress to halt its activities—a failure that requires detailed analysis at the appropriate time.
In recent years, I have met many patriots of the new generation. Among them, Compatriot Mani Rahimi and Compatriot Ata Jamali stood out. Unlike intellectuals who only engage when convenient, these two gentlemen have struggled continuously and voluntarily to propagate national thought and lay the groundwork for a modern national institution. When they proposed that I support them in reactivating the KNC as a platform to unite all patriots, I accepted with great joy. I was heartened to know that the labor of our former Compatriots would not be in vain. Accordingly, I am prepared to entrust them with the Congress’s comprehensive website, and in the near future, I will place all archives and documents I have preserved at your service.
In closing, I offer a few points of counsel. A national organization must secure independent funding; a skilled finance committee can ensure the Congress remains self-reliant and capable. Media is crucial for spreading national awareness among the masses. Furthermore, we must establish national organizational structures within the occupied parts of Kurdistan and form a diplomatic committee comprised of experts fluent in languages and international relations.
Another critical matter concerns the Internal Bylaws, specifically regarding the Presidency. It is vital to draft a mechanism that prevents any single Compatriot—no matter how loyal, active, or brilliant—from monopolizing the institution. We must ensure that we do not unravel what we have woven, so that our progress does not revert to square one.
Beloved Compatriots,
I am optimistic about your sacred struggle. I am certain that with the presence of knowledgeable patriots like you, the Kurdish nation has a bright future. Welcome to the Kurdistan National Congress—the legacy of the great teacher of national thought, Professor Jamal Nebez, who conceived this institution in the early 1980s. For years, the Congress was a platform for dozens of academic and social figures and a beacon of hope for thousands. I am confident that the new generation, through your loyal efforts, will elevate the Congress to become the true voice and responsible authority for the Kurdish cause, both domestically and internationally.
May you always serve the sacred ideal of Kurdistan’s Independence!
May the high banner of Independent Kurdistan forever wave!
Your Brother and Compatriot: Sirwan Kaswi
November 9, 2025