CNI News

26 December 2024

Informal meetings could continue in 2025 and NCA signatories could become more important, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

At present, as informal meetings have been between non-NCA signatories and China or the SAC, the role of NCA signatories could be more important in 2025, he said.

"The uniqueness of 2025 is the election. Before the election, informal meetings have started between non-NCA signatories and the SAC or China. The role of NCA signatories will become more important, I think. There are armed groups that are fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw without signing the NCA as well as armed groups that are fighting against the SAC only after signing the NCA. At present, there have been informal meetings between non-NCA signatories and the SAC. Armed groups that are fighting against the SAC again after signing the NCA such as the KNU and the CNF could conduct informal meetings at the second stage, I think. Informal meetings can emerge in China, India and Thailand in 2025, I think." said Col. Khun Okkar.

China discussed with three northern armed groups (TNLA, MNDAA, AA) that haven't signed the NCA in December while the SAC discussed with the MNDAA. 

While the anniversary celebration of the NCA was being held

There were arguments regarding whether the NCA was void or not after 2021.

Finding an answer to the current political crisis with all-inclusive political dialogues was the best, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance that have signed the NCA, Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt told CNI News.

" These problems, difficulties and crises emerged from the political problems. It's necessary to build a new political culture that finds an answer through political means without solving the political problems through military means so that we can start talking amidst various difficulties. That the discussion was able to be conducted is a first good step. There were arguments regarding whether the NCA was void or not after 2021." he said.

There were 10 NCA signatories and peace talks were held for many years in the name of the Peace Process Steering Team.

However, there were disagreements among the NCA signatories after 2021 and the KNU, the CNF and the ABSDF said that the NCA had been void and decided to fight against the SAC.