CNI Interview

24 June 2025

The civil war in Myanmar has lasted for more than 70 years, from 1948 to the present. The civil war was caused by the lack of equal rights for ethnic groups, the failure to build a federal union, and the collapse of democracy. 

CNI contacted and asked U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, about these circumstances.

Q. How important is the role of ethnic groups, both politically and militarily, in the political landscape of Myanmar for more than 4 years?

Answer: The role of ethnic groups has been important since before independence. The population is not the main thing. The main thing is that ethnic groups are present in more than half of our country. Since independence, they have not implemented the agreements. 

They said that they would establish a federal system, but when they actually established it, they only established a unitary system. Now, when they say they will establish a federal system instead of a unitary system, they say the central government will have more power. If we do this unilaterally, our country will never be peaceful.

The C in C said that anything that is included in the constitution can be amended except for 'Three Our National Causes for the peace of our country. Then, after the NCA was signed, the Panglong Agreement is the main thing for Three Our National Causes. If we follow that agreement, we don't have to worry about three our national causes.

However, they only focus on 'our three national causes' and ignore the Panglong Agreement. If they only treat this agreement in name, our country will become even more confused. It is already confusing. What we want is a federal system, but what was established was a unitary system, and the situation in the country has worsened.

In this situation, the Panglong Agreement cannot be used to cure the disease. It may even reach the stage of surgical treatment. If we all do not solve this with a strong attitude, if they will continue to spread the disease by curing it with the medicine that doesn't agree with the disease, then without controlling the country, our country will fall under the control of another country.

Q.  In the recent statement of the KNU, it was mentioned that it aims to establish a federal democratic union that guarantees peaceful coexistence for all ethnic groups and people. What do they mean by a federal democratic union that guarantees all nationalities and people? How do you understand it, Sir?

A. That is something you have to ask them. You can't ask me. However, from what we understand, since the new constitution was being drafted, the Myanmar Tatmadaw said that our country needs to be a country based on geography, not ethnicity. They also said that the names of the states should be based on geography, not ethnic names. 

This was not accepted by the ethnic groups. The SNLD itself said that the reason it did not accept it was not because it was narrow-minded. We are not narrow-minded. While there are no ethnic rights in our country right now, their names will have to be erased, which they cannot accept. 

Another thing is that what was previously called Burma is now called Myanmar. Myanmar is an all-encompassing term. This is also not accepted by most of our ethnic groups. Other leaders have said that we all should choose a name together that the majority of us can accept. 

So, if we want to improve our country, we can't suddenly change our ways while the other side is giving priority to the names of ethnic groups. This is a matter that we will have to go through step by step. In the United States, there are no Arizonan ethnicity in Arizona. 

There are no Texas ethnicities in Texas. To become like that, we have to go through step by step. I want to be like that too. But right now, ethnic groups are being oppressed. They are worried that their ethnicity will disappear. The leaders who govern our country need to be careful of this. We can't do what we want right away. We have to do it step by step. 

We will do it step by step. We will give ethnic rights. Later, when ethnic rights are achieved, the issue of ethnic names will not be an important issue. At that time, human rights will be achieved. Human rights will become even more important. When human rights become the main focus, the issue of race will gradually disappear. I believe so.

Q. . In the current Myanmar politics, most people are pointing out that China is very influential. They say that because of China's influence, the Myanmar Tatmadaw  has regained some areas in northern Shan State. What is your opinion on this , Sir?

A.: This is something we have to ask China. However, we all have to admit that this is because we are not up to standard. In this matter, the Tatmadaw is also poor and so are our ethnic groups. It is because everyone is weak. Nations that cannot solve their own problems must accept other countries that will come and solve their problems.

Q. So, is there any possibility that a path towards dialogue in Myanmar politics could emerge this year? How do you see it?

A. They will discuss on 25th, on 26th, on 27th June. We will wait and see how the situation will be. But if we talk about the mentality of many organizations that are currently opposing the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the voice that there is no reason to discuss blood debt is still louder. This situation will have to be watched for a while. It is not possible immediately.

Q.  So what will the political landscape in Myanmar be like after the end of July?

A. We will have to watch this discussion on June 25, 26, and 27. After that, they may announce the election date in July. Then, if they announce it, we will also study the laws and regulations that will emerge.