CNI News
19 September 2023
Their armed organization has anticipated confederation, said Dr.Thiri Mon Chan , chairman of the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), to CNI News.
They could implement a confederation if the armed force and the people were oneness, he said.
" What is the strength of the Mon armed forces in Mon State? Armed forces are hard power and soft powers contain patriotism of our people, culture,economy, education, social situation and diplomatic affairs. If soft power and hard power come together and we have a strong national force, we can implement confederation or federation." said Dr.Thiri Mon Chan.
Two leaders of the Arakan Army
MSDF is a Mon armed organization which arose with the changing situation of politics after 1 February 2021. It is active in southern Mon State and Tanintharyi Region. And it is carrying out operations, collaborating with its allies reportedly.
Because the Arakan Army started using the word 'confederation', AA should be asked the meaning of Confederation, said U Than Soe Naing, A very complete and adequate answer cannot be givena Myanmar political analyst, to CNI News.
" You should ask the AA about the confederation. You should ask Khaing Thukha, spokesperson of the AA. You can't get a very complete and adequate answer from me. But we are elements that are supporting to build Myanmar as a federal democratic union." said U Than Soe Naing.
UWSA Force
According to confederalism, states have separate sovereign powers. In other words, they have the power to collect the tax, their own government, their own parliament, their own judiciary, their own legislation and their own armed forces.
They would accept an independent federal state depending on the situation, said Dr. Thiri Mon Chan." We are the same as the AA. But this depends on the situation. At least, a real federal union, an independent state that we accept because a federal state has won self-determination power." he said.
A state of a confederation has separate sovereignties and the powers for enacting laws, judiciary, monetary policy, national registration card, mining natural resources and foreign relations. So, it is reportedly like a small country.
At present, in Myanmar, the United Wa State Army has self-governing powers like in a confederation, said some people.
