CNI News

4 July 2026

Although the ultimate goal of taking up arms in Myanmar is claimed to be for the benefit of the public, Myanmar's political circles point out that, in reality on the ground, the citizens are the ones suffering all the losses.

Political observers highlight that while the root cause of Myanmar's armed revolution stems from ethnic minorities being denied their fundamental rights, various armed organizations in the country's peace process currently prioritize their self-interests before considering the nation as a whole.

Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News that while armed organizations justify their revolution as being for the welfare of the people, it is the civilian population that bears the brunt of the devastation.

Providing aid and relief to IDPs from Banmauk Township

Dr. Aye Maung stated: "I want to see an end to armed conflicts. In every armed conflict, organizations claim they take up arms politically for the sake of their respective peoples. Ethnic groups that historically enjoyed self-rule will say they want to rebuild their own state. The Rakhine will say this, the Mon will say this, and the Shan will say this too. Every armed conflict targets the public as its reference point, claiming it is for the public good and for the people. Yes, in actual conflict, only the public suffers. The people face instability, the destruction of their homes, and the loss of their property. I want these groups to have empathy for the people. For instance, the public has been suffering amidst this crisis for 80 years. For the sake of all citizens—whether they are Bamar, Rakhine, or Mon—groups should give up what needs to be given up and work toward ending armed conflict. The public might eventually demand exactly that.Therefore, rather than either side digging in their heels and saying, 'We must get this or that for the people,' I want them to look at what the people actually want. I want them to enshrine those desires in the constitution and build a new nation."

Myanmar gained independence on January 4, 1948, but internal civil war erupted shortly after in March of the same year and continues to this day.

Following the Myanmar military's ousting of the NLD government on February 1, 2021, intense armed conflicts erupted across the nation, alongside campaigns to seize control of entire towns.

As a direct consequence of these armed conflicts:

Over 3 million people have been internally displaced from their homes. Over 6.3 million school-aged children have been forced to drop out of school.

 A joint force of the KIA and PDF

Political analyst Dr. Myo Set Thway told CNI News that it is difficult to believe the narrative that armed groups are fighting for the public interest, suggesting instead that they operate out of self-interest and organizational benefit.

Dr. Myo Set Thway stated: "Take the PDFs and other groups born out of what is called the nationwide Spring Revolution. Although they claim to act for the nation’s benefit, they are actually fragmented and working for the interest of a single organization or a specific ideology. Thus, I view their claims of working for the whole country as just pleasing rhetoric. We have to ask: when they say 'the public's interest,' which public do they mean? Do they mean all 51 million citizens of Myanmar, or just the public connected to them? Even if they genuinely intend to work for the public, doing so on a national scale often carries contradictory elements on the ground. We can only accept their words if their actions match. Whether what they are doing right now is truly for the public good, for personal gain, for organizational interest, or just for the people associated with them—they themselves will know best."

Despite efforts by successive governments to end armed conflicts in Myanmar, no definitive agreements have been reached to this day.

Currently, the armed organizations, the Myanmar military, and the government remain deadlocked and unable to reach a consensus on key issues:

Power-sharing and governance structures, Territorial administration, Resource and financial allocation.

Consequently, military and political analysts point out that ending the armed conflicts remains highly challenging, and the flourishing of democracy and a federal system remains a distant goal.

CNI News

4 July 2026

In Myanmar’s peace process, achieving lasting peace will be impossible if the government merely focuses on coaxing Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and granting them privileges, according to U Li Paw Reh, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), in an interview with CNI News.

He emphasized that the true key to peace lies in the extent to which the government grants rights and opportunities to the local indigenous people within their respective regions.

U Li Paw Yeh stated: "If the central government prioritizes helping and granting rights to the local indigenous people, they will no longer hold grievances or negative views toward the Union Government. Once that mindset shifts, peace will inevitably follow, sooner or later. On the other hand, if we are just coaxing armed organizations and giving them privileges, peace cannot be achieved through those actions alone; it’s simply impossible. Therefore, the crucial factor is the extent to which the state government grants rights, recognition, and rewards to our local indigenous people. That part is absolutely vital."

A meeting between the UWSA and the NSPNC

Military and political analysts pointed out that successive central governments have traditionally defined "granting rights" as building roads, constructing schools, or offering certain business concessions for local development in ethnic areas.

However, analysts assess that such measures do not bring about genuine peace. They argue that what ethnic minorities are demanding is not charity or minor privileges handed down by the government, but rather a federal system with self-determination, allowing them to shape their own destiny.

Furthermore, analysts believe that any rights granted by a government lack legal security unless they are constitutionally guaranteed. Without such backing, those rights could be revoked at any time by a new incoming government or due to policy shifts. Therefore, they emphasize that any rights granted by the government must be firmly embedded within the constitution.

Meanwhile, Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that as long as the door for peace dialogue remains open, pursuing demands through negotiation is the path that minimizes casualties and losses.

 Ethnic youths

Colonel Khun Okkar stated: "Local indigenous people and ethnic armed groups are essentially the same; there isn't much difference between them. Therefore, ethnic armed groups should secure the rights of local indigenous people through dialogue and political solutions, as the ultimate goal of obtaining ethnic rights is identical—whether you fight with weapons or negotiate through politics. However, if the door to dialogue is still open, choosing the path of discussion and seeking solutions results in far less damage and loss. If the door to dialogue is shut, demands are made through arms. But based on our experience, we know that when the door to dialogue is open, we can successfully make demands and negotiate."

Military and political analysts highlighted a critical divide: while local populations suffer the worst consequences of armed conflict, EAOs remain central to maintaining the balance of power and securing a seat at political negotiation tables.

Analysts further observed that EAOs tend to prioritize political power-sharing, territorial control, and administrative mechanisms. In contrast, local indigenous communities primarily desire:

Agricultural development and land ownership rights.  Stable livelihoods and economic security. Family safety and complete protection from the dangers of armed conflict.

CNI News

July 3, 2026

Lao President Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith stated that his country will always stand and act as a good friend to Myanmar.

He made these remarks during a meeting and discussion with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Laos on July 3, 2026.

The Lao President said, "I believe that the Myanmar government led by the President will soon achieve normal engagement with ASEAN. Since ASEAN member states must conduct state-to-state relations and friendships in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, I believe the Myanmar government will be able to engage normally with ASEAN. Our country will always support and encourage Myanmar from whatever side we can, and we will always stand and act as a good friend to Myanmar."

Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith further stated that Laos wishes to establish a strategic partnership with Myanmar and intends to further increase bilateral cooperation in the future compared to the present. He added that he fully supports the President's efforts toward national development and his desire to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The Myanmar President said, "I remember discussing with Your Excellency when I attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Summit held in Tianjin, China last year, and I am delighted to meet you again now. I also thank Laos for sending a special envoy and delivering a congratulatory message from Your Excellency to the ceremony where I took the oath of office and assumed my duties as President. The recent visit to Myanmar by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane also demonstrates the importance given to our government and reflects Laos' support and stance, which we highly value."

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that this visit aims to further solidify the existing traditional friendship between the two countries and elevate comprehensive strategic cooperation.

At the invitation of Lao President Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Laos from July 3 to July 5, 2026.

CNI News

3 July 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and the President of the National Assembly of Laos met for talks on July 3, 2026, at the meeting hall of the National Assembly office of Laos.

Similarly, President U Min Aung Hlaing also met and held discussions with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith earlier this morning at the meeting hall of the Presidential Palace of Laos.

At the invitation of the Laotian President, the Myanmar delegation led by President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, is on a three-day visit from July 3 to 5, 2026.

The Myanmar President's current visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Laos, spanning from 1955 to 2026.

CNI News

3 July 2026

Military and political analysts told CNI News that Myanmar's ongoing peace process remains far out of reach due to underlying vested interests.

Following its independence on January 4, 1948, Myanmar plunged into a civil war in March of the same year—a conflict that continues to this day. Throughout successive eras, successive governments, the military, and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) have held peace talks, yet a resolution remains elusive.

Despite various peace efforts, the process faces persistent delays because stakeholders frequently prioritize personal and regional interests rather than focusing on the well-being of the nation and its public.Interests

Saw Khun Kyaw Win, a spokesperson for the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), told CNI News that while Myanmar has extensive experience with peace processes, underlying interests continue to keep peace at a distance.

"Mainly, the responsible leaders need to have mutual understanding and transparency," he said. "Furthermore, every leader—whether from the government or the ethnic sides—needs to look at the face of the country. If they consider what should be done for a better future for the nation, rather than focusing on the interests of a single organization or a single region, it is achievable."

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing

He added: "In my view, we have accumulated a wealth of experience regarding peace since the administration of President U Thein Sein. We have experience cooperating with organizations and studying abroad. Both the government and ethnic leaders already know this. If leaders think of the country to move forward, the answer is not far off. But if they don't think of the nation and personal interests remain involved behind the scenes, peace will continue to be distant."

Currently, President U Min Aung Hlaing is implementing a 100-day plan to carry out peace initiatives and has invited ethnic armed organizations to engage in talks by a July 31 deadline.

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that because successful outcomes failed to emerge under successive governments, it is necessary to abandon historical methods and consider entirely new approaches.

"Successive governments have tried various models of peace processes," he noted. "Some involved negotiating by granting economic concessions, among other methods. None of them worked out smoothly. Looking on the bright side, we now know which methods do not work. The key is to find what does work. If we keep repeating past mistakes, we will only get the same results."

Attendees at the NCA annual ceremony

"Therefore, we need to thoroughly consider new methodologies regarding peace. When doing so, rather than one individual deciding on an approach and testing it alone, it would be much more appropriate to consult and develop a system that everyone can accept. Peace does not belong to just one person; it concerns everyone and is everyone's right. The crucial element is how to create a framework that demonstrates this outcome is the result of collective collaboration."

Recently, the NSPNC (National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee) has held a series of meetings:

June 4: Met with the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), June 9–10: Met with the 7 EAO Alliance (NCA signatories), June 12: Met with the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP).

June 17: Met with the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), June 18: Met with the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

Despite these talks, military and political analysts point out that the peace process remains stalled because the government, the military, and EAOs face conflicting interests regarding power-sharing, administrative division, and the allocation of natural resources and finances.

CNI News

3 July 2026

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Myanmar and Laos in the presence of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Laotian President Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith.

On July 3, 2026, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Laotian President Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith held a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace of Laos.

Following the discussion, they signed several MoUs, including a Myanmar-Laos Tourism MoU, a Sister City MoU, and a cooperation MoU on space technology (TBC).

A Myanmar delegation led by President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, is currently visiting Laos from July 3 to July 5, 2026.

The Myanmar President's current visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Laos, spanning from 1955 to 2026.

CNI News

3 July 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, currently visiting Laos, met with Lao President Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane on July 3, 2026, for bilateral talks.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening the existing friendly relations and enhancing strategic cooperation between Myanmar and Laos.

At the invitation of the Lao President, the Myanmar delegation led by President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, is visiting Laos from July 3 to July 5, 2026.

The Myanmar President’s current visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Laos, spanning from 1955 to 2026.

CNI News

July 3, 2026

In the current political landscape of Myanmar, non-Bamar ethnic minorities have developed a mindset that they "do not matter" unless they take up arms, U Li Paw Reh of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulay Party) told CNI News.

Non-Bamar ethnic groups have been waging armed revolutions to demand equal ethnic rights, self-determination, autonomy, the establishment of a federal union, the flourishing of democracy, and the right to shape their own destiny.

Political analysts point out that not all ethnic nationalities in Myanmar are participating in armed revolution; in fact, only a minority of these ethnic groups are engaged in armed struggle. Therefore, they suggest that the government should consider granting well-deserved rights to the remaining ethnic nationalities who do not hold weapons.

U Li Paw Reh from the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party) told CNI News that ethnic groups in Myanmar currently share a collective feeling that they are ignored if they do not take up arms. He emphasized that the government needs to take practical action to ensure equal rights for all ethnic nationalities.

Attendees at the NCA anniversary ceremony

"The core issue is equality. Ethnic groups that do not take up arms must be given the same rights as those that do. Why? Because right now, 90% of ethnic individuals believe that unless you hold a weapon in Myanmar, you do not matter. The mindset that 'you only matter if you have weapons' has taken root.The government and state leaders must work to erase this mentality. Only then will the remaining ethnic groups be satisfied and feel forever grateful to the state. While it is true that some ethnic groups have armed organizations, not everyone within those ethnic groups supports them. The government must practically demonstrate that it grants equal rights to the majority of ethnic citizens," he said.

Although Myanmar already hosted numerous armed groups, hundreds of additional armed groups have emerged alongside the changing political landscape following the events of 2021.

Military and political analysts note that under the current situation, the government's discrimination against or hesitation to recognize ethnic armed groups could prolong the war. Conversely, they also point out that ethnic armed organizations must limit their demands to what is realistic and reasonable.

U Li Paw Reh added that holding peace talks exclusively with ethnic groups involved in armed revolution will not bring about eternal peace.

Ethnic youths

"The government cannot solve the issue merely by negotiating with armed organizations. Why? Because we have many ethnic groups in our country—nearly 100. Even if the government signs peace agreements and ceasefires with these armed groups, you cannot guarantee that other ethnic groups won't take up arms and revolt in the future.

Therefore, negotiating peace only with armed groups is incomplete. Armed organizations make up less than 10% of the entire population across the states and regions. The government needs to provide rights, privileges, and equal opportunities to the remaining 90% of ethnic citizens. Eternal peace can only be achieved this way. Without doing so, we cannot claim that peace has been achieved or that negotiations are successful just because we dealt with the armed groups. I believe the Union Government vitally needs to grant rights to the roughly 90% of ethnic citizens," he said.

Ethnic leaders and political analysts emphasize that inequality and human rights violations are the root causes of the conflicts happening across various states and regions.

To resolve the ethnic armed conflicts and communal disputes in Myanmar, military and political analysts suggest that specific rights and privileges for ethnic nationalities should be explicitly integrated into the constitutional framework.

CNI News

3 July 2026

The President of Laos, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, welcomed Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing with an official guard of honor at the Presidential Palace on the morning of July 3, 2026, during his state-level goodwill visit to Laos.

The Myanmar delegation, led by President U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, is visiting Laos from July 3 to July 5, 2026.

The Myanmar President's current visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Laos (1955–2026).