CNI News

19 November 2025

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that China’s mediation is crucial in the recent tensions between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and the Kokang armed group (MNDAA), which emerged after disagreements over the withdrawal of MNDAA camps.

Military and political analysts report that tensions have risen after the Myanmar military demanded that MNDAA withdraw its outposts stationed outside Lashio in northern Shan State.

Colonel Khun Okkar said the issue depends largely on the specific terms of the agreement arranged by China’s Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun, who mediated the handover of Lashio to the Myanmar military.

He said that if the agreement allowed MNDAA to station troops outside Lashio, then the military’s order for MNDAA to withdraw would constitute a breach of that agreement.

Colonel Khun Okkar

Colonel Khun Okkar said:“So even though Lashio has been handed back, if the agreement allowed MNDAA to maintain troops around the outskirts of Lashio, then the current demand by the military commission to withdraw is a violation of the agreement. We need to look at it based on the original agreement. But since we have not seen the agreement at all, it’s difficult for us to judge. Also, it was China’s special envoy Deng Xijun who led the original agreement. So in the end, the decision lies with the Chinese envoy. China’s mediation is crucial. If China overlooks this issue, armed clashes could break out again — and we cannot predict what might happen. China hasn’t said anything yet, so perhaps they are observing for now. Or maybe the military council is acting beyond the terms of the agreement, or maybe the timeline in the agreement has expired—we don’t know. We never got to read the agreement. So I think we need to listen to China’s position on this.”

Residents of Lashio say that although MNDAA has handed Lashio back to the Myanmar military, MNDAA remains heavily stationed around the outskirts of the city.

Colonel Khun Okkar said the military’s demand for MNDAA to withdraw could be related to ensuring security for the upcoming elections and reopening trade routes, and that both sides should follow the original agreement.

MNDAA troops

He said:“It seems the military is asking this to ensure security ahead of the election. And as trade routes need to reopen, the military commission might be pushing this more firmly for election security and for the resumption of trade flows. Because One Belt One Road–related villages lie on both sides, they may be ordering MNDAA positions to move for that reason as well. MNDAA won’t withdraw unless China intervenes. They will cling to the original agreement. Both sides must follow the agreement as it was.”

Reports emerged that since November 11, meetings between the Myanmar military and MNDAA have been taking place at the Two Elephants Hotel in Lashio.

The Myanmar military captured Hsipaw from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on October 17 and currently controls the Mandalay–Hsipaw section of the Union Highway. MNDAA controls the Hsipaw–Lashio section of the same road.

Amid escalating military tension, MNDAA has reportedly released over 200 people detained.

CNI News

19 November 2025

U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People’s Party (PP) told CNI News that whoever leads and forms the next government after the upcoming elections, it needs to take the form of a national unity government.

With the national elections set for the end of this year, people are eagerly watching to see what kind of government might emerge in Myanmar.

U Ko Ko Gyi said, “Since the elections have not yet been held, we cannot say anything in advance about the results. But whoever gets the mandate to lead and form the government— who they may be— my view remains the same as what I said even before the 2020 election. The incoming government should be a kind of national unity government. It should include the right individuals and ethnic groups, working together to collectively solve the country’s problems.”

The form of a government, or the model by which a nation is governed, refers to the political framework that allows a government of a federal union to exercise authority over political actors within parliament (Hluttaw).

Political party leaders

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that the next government needs to be people-oriented, as the country is currently facing a situation brought about by a lack of national unity.

He said, “Most importantly, we need a parliament that is accountable to the people. We need a government that is accountable to the people. We need a government that can deliver clear and positive results through meaningful reform. This country is made up of many ethnicities and religions. Under these circumstances, it is extremely important for everyone to coexist in harmony and unity. Because our country lacks unity, we are in the current situation. So if a government that includes all sides—one that can stop the ongoing disputes—emerges, that would be a very promising path forward.”

It is expected that the new government formed after the upcoming elections will be led by the military and the USDP. However, political observers say that including representatives from other ethnic political parties could help ease the current political crisis.

Spokesperson U Thein Tun Oo of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) told CNI News that the type of government that emerges will depend on the mandate entrusted by the people.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with political parties

He said, “It depends on the will of the people who cast their vote. Whether the people give all their support to a single party or distribute their support proportionately—that will determine the nature of the new government. That is the defining factor. Many other considerations certainly exist, but since it is the people who delegate authority, they are the key. It depends on the seats won and the composition of the parliament. What should or should not happen must be considered based on current circumstances and the future.”

The Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has said that state power will be transferred to the political party that wins the election.

However, both domestic and international observers have pointed out that the upcoming election in Myanmar is largely symbolic, and that regardless of the results, the outcome will be a military-led government.

Political analysts, nonetheless, say that in order to address Myanmar’s political crisis and ongoing armed conflicts, the next government needs to take the form of a national unity government.

CNI News

19 November 2025

Political parties and analysts are discussing what issues newly elected MPs should prioritize once the new parliament (Hluttaw) emerges after the elections.

They point out that the post-election government will need political stability to rebuild society, and therefore peace-related issues should be treated as top priorities. 

They also note that forming a national unity-style government could help resolve the current political and military crises.

Sai Aik Paung, Chairman of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), told CNI News that the next government should focus mainly on stabilizing commodity prices, creating job opportunities for the public, working to lift international sanctions, and ensuring consistent electricity supplies for the people.

A marketplace

He said: “In the short term, the most important thing is to bring commodity prices down and stabilize them. We need to make sure job opportunities are available. We also have to work to lift international sanctions. If sanctions are lifted, foreign investment will come in, and when it comes in, job opportunities will open up. Prices will stabilize naturally, and the kyat will regain value. These things need to be done quickly—even in the first 100 days. Electricity must be restored quickly in industrial zones, and we need to ensure that the public has regular access to power. Prices are extremely high right now. People are struggling, especially the grassroots. So the new government must prioritize this.”

U Htet Aung Kyaw, a political analyst, told CNI News that addressing the sharp and unreasonable rise in commodity prices — which is heavily affecting lower-income groups — should be the first priority, as it is a problem that can be solved within a short timeframe and directly impacts the public.

Voters waiting in line to cast their ballots

He said: “Commodity prices are unreasonably high which is something that shouldn’t be happening at this level. This is an issue that can be addressed quickly. It’s something that can be brought to parliament immediately and resolved without delay. If it were up to me, this would be the first proposal I would submit in parliament. And along with that, the price of medicines must also be addressed. Medicine prices have risen unfairly, and people are suffering a lot because of it. These directly affect public health. That’s why I believe they should be resolved first.”

Observers advise that voters should carefully examine and choose political parties and candidates in the upcoming elections—selecting only those who genuinely prioritize the interests of the people and the nation.

In Myanmar, Election Phase (1) will be held on December 28, 2025, Election Phase (2) on January 11, 2026, and Election Phase (3) in the final week of January. A new government and parliament will emerge afterward.

CNI News 

18 November 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that the groups actively undermining peace and stability in Kayin (Karen) State are the armed organizations operating within the state.

He made the statement during a meeting with state-level department officials and community elders in Hpa-An, Kayin State, on November 15, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said: "Since the time the country gained independence, Kayin State has suffered from the loss of peace and stability due to armed insurgency, which has affected the people living in the state as well as the entire country. The groups working to destabilize Kayin State are the armed organizations within the state itself. Only with peace and stability can young people pursue education, healthcare services be provided to the public, and regional development projects be carried out."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen

He therefore urged the residents of the state to take action by all means necessary to prevent activities that undermine peace and stability, which damage the state's development.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also added: "The State is working to clear and deal with the activities that undermine peace and stability in Kayin State. The Tatmadaw is carrying out clearance operations at KK Park, near the Myanmar-Thai border, where online financial fraud and online gambling are being run, and this will be completely resolved as a national duty."

Armed groups operating in Kayin State include the Karen National Union (KNU), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Karen State Border Guard Force/Karen National Army (BGF/KNA), the Kaw Thoo Lei Army (KTA) led by Saw Nedah Mya (who was expelled from the KNU), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), and the People's Defence Force (PDF) groups.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen

Among these armed groups, the BGF/KNA operates under the Tatmadaw, while the DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, and NMSP have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and are not currently fighting the Tatmadaw.

The KNU has withdrawn from the NCA and is leading the PDFs in the fight to overthrow the Tatmadaw, while the KTA is also fighting the Tatmadaw.

Currently, intense fighting is ongoing between the Myanmar military and the KNU-PDF joint forces in Kayin State, leading to the suspension of trade along the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asian Highway.

CNI News

18 November 2025

Military and political analysts suggest that the upcoming election in Myanmar should be one that can resolve the country's political problems.

In Myanmar,  Phase 1 of the election will take place on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, and Phase 2 will take place on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships.

U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People's Party (PP), told CNI News Agency that he wants the election in Myanmar to be directed towards how to collectively solve the current political problems.

He said: "I want this election to proceed with the objective of how to work together to resolve the current political problems, rather than just a competition like elections held under normal circumstances. I see the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and war refugees as an issue that must be prioritized and tackled. Another thing is the need to invite investments that can create job opportunities in peaceful areas. So, the priority programs have already been released in the election manifesto. What is certain is that after the election, a Parliament will emerge, and those who can legally exercise power will be elected representatives. When there is no Parliament, the executive and legislative powers are combined. Therefore, I believe we will be able to review, amend, and enact laws, as well as scrutinize and check for legal compliance. So, in the current situation, I believe we should only aim to resolve this major conflict through collaboration and negotiation."

 The government led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has stated that he will transfer state power to the political party that wins the election.

Political observers point out that the new government formed after the election will likely be led by the Tatmadaw (military) and the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party), but including representatives from other ethnic political parties in the cabinet will help to overcome the current political crisis.

U Htet Aung Kyaw, a political analyst, told CNI News Agency that there may be hope if a new government emerges with a mix of old and new faces, but if it is formed only with old faces, the political landscape may not show any significant change from the current situation.

Hluttaw in session.

He commented: "As stipulated in the Constitution, Parliaments (Hluttaws) will emerge with the elected representatives and 25 percent of Tatmadaw personnel. The Parliament will then elect three presidents. The new government must form teams to resolve issues based on the will and preference of the President. So, we have to wait and see the election results. We also have to see how many people will actually cast their votes. Only when all those are fulfilled can we predict the exact shape. If a government consists only of people everyone already knows, we won't see much significant or positive change. If a young, capable person becomes a Minister or Deputy Minister, and the government emerges with a mix of old and new faces, it would be a government that we can have more hope in. If it's all the same people, we might not see a landscape that improves on the current situation."

As the election is scheduled for the end of this year, everyone is watching with keen interest to see what kind of government will take power in Myanmar.

Domestic and foreign diplomats, however, suggest that the planned election in Myanmar is merely a formality, and whatever the result, a military-led government structure will emerge.

Meanwhile, local political parties and observers point out that if the post-election government adopts a form similar to a government based on national unity, it could resolve the political and military crises.

CNI News

18 November 2025

Military and political analysts have told CNI News Agency that the People's Defence Force (PDF) groups that emerged following the political change on February 1, 2021, are being exploited by the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).

Currently, in some areas seized by the joint EAO-PDF forces, agreements have been reached between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and the EAOs, resulting in the handover or withdrawal from certain towns.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that the Spring Revolution forces are unlikely to benefit from such agreements, and that the PDFs are merely being used as tools.

He stated: "In the part of the Spring Revolution, my view is that the PDFs are just being exploited. The ethnic armed organizations don't trust the central government. Since they don't trust the central government, they won't trust the PDF either. The EAOs need manpower. When they need manpower, they will use the PDFs to expand their territory. When it comes to negotiation and discussion, the PDFs will not be included. Just look at the actions of the TNLA today; it's the same. They will hand back Mogok and Momeik. Mandalay PDFs would enter Mogok. We are hearing disputes in those sections. That will proceed according to the decisions of the ethnic armed organizations. They will just use the people who come to them. That is a form of power. I would say, when they can't get manpower, they even resort to catching people. Now that PDFs are coming to them, they will use the PDFs well."

NUG and MDY-PDF leaders seen together

PDF groups that emerged after 2021 have been going to the territories of Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) to receive military training, and are then placed on the front lines to fight and seize the areas the EAOs desire.

In Operation 1027, which saw intense fighting and the seizure of significant territory, the main participating forces—the Kokang Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang Army (TNLA)—have now signed ceasefires with the Myanmar military. Furthermore, their withdrawal from and handover of some seized towns back to the Myanmar military have caused disagreements with the joint PDF forces.

Similarly, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has utilized the strength of PDFs in the Sagaing Region and Kachin State to launch town-seizing battles and has now secured territories rich in natural resources and trade benefits. However, the KIA is also secretly attempting to contact and negotiate with the Myanmar military, and is currently coordinating a meeting location.

KIA and PDF seen together

Political analyst Sai Mein told CNI News that if groups only look out for their own national interests, the collaborations and alliances will remain artificial.

He commented: "If organizations, including the Military Commission, do not lead with genuine sincerity in our country, the collaborations will be fake. And the Union will be a fake Union. Alliances will become fake alliances. This is because everyone is only looking out for their own national interests. The TNLA is also like that now. The TNLA only looks out for its national interests. It does not consider the interests of the PDFs. It also does not consider the interests of the Union as a whole. So, in the current practical situation, that is how things will remain."

Military and political analysts point out that the EAOs have gained a large number of armed personnel from the PDFs to fight the Myanmar military and seize and control territory.

They further point out that in this scenario, the PDFs are the ones primarily suffering the loss of manpower and damage, while the EAOs reap the political benefits.

CNI News

14 November 2025

Questions are being raised among military and political analysts about what kinds of opportunities the government should provide to those who have dutifully completed their public conscription service.

The People's Military Service Law (Public Conscription Law) was enforced on February 10, 2024, and training began with monthly batches of 5,000 people each. As of now, the training has reached its 19th intake.

On November 8, Deputy Minister of Labour and Chair of the Committee for Overseas Employment Assignments, U Win Shein, said that those who have successfully completed their conscription service would be supported by the government in finding employment abroad if they wish to work overseas.

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that the government should provide strong benefits and opportunities to those who complete their conscription duties, and that determining what benefits to provide is an important aspect of national policy.

Supporters of the conscription law seen

He said: “Going abroad for work is good, but that alone is not enough. The main thing is to clearly explain what incentives conscripts will receive after completing their service. We welcome the plan to help them find jobs abroad. If I may say this—look at how the United States provides benefits to its veterans. Myanmar should study those systems and offer similar support. There must be real incentives. Why else would people risk their lives? And right now, this conflict is happening among fellow citizens, so people are very distressed. But if this is declared as national policy, then when the government implements it, the incentives to be provided become extremely important. Helping conscripts find overseas jobs is a start, but in my view, it is still not enough. More should be done.”

U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategy Studies, told CNI News that there is nothing impossible about implementing such a national-level initiative, and that many opportunities could be provided to public conscripts depending on government plans, rules, and regulations.

 Public conscripts seen

He said:“At the national level, there is nothing that cannot be implemented. The government already connects with external agencies to send workers abroad. So if this is handled systematically at the state level, why would it not succeed? For example, if someone wants to work abroad, or if they left a job to fulfill their conscription duty, they could be given the chance to return to that job. There are many such possibilities. Everything will follow the relevant laws and regulations.”

Currently in Myanmar, both the military and some armed groups are reportedly recruiting and arresting young people for forced conscription, causing significant worry and fear among the general population, according to various assessments.

CNI News

14 November 2025

Shan armed organizations need to cease fire among themselves just as they have halted military engagements with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw), political analyst Sai Main told CNI News.

“Shan State cannot achieve peace by only reaching a ceasefire with the military council. Even groups like the RCSS and SSPP, which say they are working for the interests of Shan people, have clashed with each other. So we cannot say similar clashes won’t happen among other armed groups as well. The key point is—just as they can cease fire with the military, they must also cease fire with all the people who live together in the same region. Only then can there be real peace. Right now, it’s not like that. They stop fighting the military, but they still want to fight each other. This is not a good sign,” he said.

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), while the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) has signed the preliminary state-level and union-level ceasefire agreements with the government.

SSPP troops seen

In addition, the SSPP is a member of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), led by the UWSA.

Since 2021, Shan armed groups have neither joined the Myanmar military in joint offensives nor sided with the revolutionary forces to wage war against the military, military and political analysts noted.

Furthermore, groups that collaborated with Spring Revolution forces in urban offensives—such as the Kokang MNDAA and the Ta’ang TNLA in northern Shan State—have also signed ceasefire agreements with the military.

As a result, almost all ethnic armed organizations in Shan State are now under ceasefire arrangements with the Myanmar military, according to analysts.

Despite this, clashes have continued in Shan State—between the RCSS and SSPP, between TNLA and SSPP, and between KIA and TNLA.

MNDAA troops seen

Political analyst Sai Main told CNI News that only when Shan State’s internal diversity can be united will it be possible to build a union based on unity.

“Although clashes are happening now, judging from social media exchanges, these clashes look set to continue into next year. They are attacking each other online as well. That’s also significant. Just as they ceasefire with the military council, they should also ceasefire among themselves. Only then can they move toward a genuine federal union. Only when Shan State’s diversity can be consolidated will it be possible to build the kind of unity needed for a union. Otherwise, there will never be peace. In reality, the so-called union will only exist in name. Fighting will return, and divisions will remain,” he said.

Shan State is home to many ethnic groups and numerous armed organizations. Since the political changes of 2021, armed conflicts have expanded and intensified, leading analysts to closely monitor the evolving political situation in Shan State.

CNI News

14 November 2025

Although political parties are preparing to secure the public vote and enter the parliament, they are extremely weak in addressing the difficulties the public is facing, political observers point out.

They note that candidates entering the parliament are running to represent their parties during the election period, and are thus party representatives. However, once they win based on the public vote and enter the parliament, they transform into not only party representatives but also representatives of the people.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that some political parties are quite weak in practically addressing the difficulties faced by the public.

She stated, "It is necessary to prove to the youth that this election will bring about positive events, benefits, and results for them. For example, a simple situation exists: in some areas in the regions, there are unlawful military conscription summons. By political parties standing firmly in front of these young people, speaking out and advocating for them, the youth will become interested in the election. If they realize that a candidate is someone who stands with them and can protect their interests, they will become interested in the election. Therefore, political parties need to prove themselves through action. Some political parties are quite weak in providing truly practical assistance, practical solutions, and practically resolving the difficulties of the public."

Armed groups and the people in Myanmar

Currently, the people of Myanmar are facing economic crises, job scarcity, inflation, high commodity prices, high cost of living, insecurity of life, authorities exploiting the Military Service Law to demand money, and displacement due to conflicts.

Political parties are urging people to vote during the election period without being able to stand in front of the public and resolve these issues.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that the current time is an opportunity for political parties, and by standing firmly on the side of the people, a win-win situation for both sides could emerge.

Those who are casting their votes

She said, "There are actions that are inconsistent with the law, and it is worse in some regions. In areas where the rule of law is distant and weak, candidates should stand firm on the side of the people, in accordance with the law, and provide protection. This is an opportunity. By uncovering things that are inconsistent with the law and issues where the rule of law is absent, and standing firmly on the side of the people, a win-win situation for both the public and the party could emerge. During the election period, things like the well-being of the public, the proper implementation of the Military Service Law, and if it cannot be implemented according to the law in some areas, those areas should be suspended as an exception."

Political observers point out that election-winning candidates in Myanmar politics, upon entering the parliament, transform from a representative of the people to a party-affiliated representative of the parliament, often driven by party loyalty.

Therefore, political observers recommend that the public needs to carefully scrutinize and select the political parties and candidates entering the election. It is necessary to choose political parties that have candidates who will truly work for the benefit of the public and the nation.