CNI News
20 August 2025
Regarding meetings among ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), some groups have not been able to meet because they fear that their donors may disapprove, said Col. Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.
When arrangements were being made for a meeting among the ten EAOs that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), some groups avoided attending out of concern that their donors might be displeased. He added that if they were to invite the seven northern EAOs that have not signed the NCA, it would be even more difficult.
“We, the seven NCA signatory groups, have been making efforts. For a long time, we have been saying that the EAOs should meet and discuss the country’s future. Preparations have also been going on for a long time. But when we cannot create a common ground position, then a meeting cannot happen. For example, ten years ago in October 2015, eight groups signed, and in 2018, two more joined, making ten signatories in total. Even now, these ten groups are not united. If we say, let’s hold a meeting just among these ten, even then, two or three of them are going their own way with their donors and their own agendas. That’s why we can’t meet. If we meet, they worry their donors might get upset. Because of that fear, some groups are unable to meet. So, if we try to invite the seven northern non-signatory groups, it will be even harder. That’s why there may be a need for intermediary organizations to build mutual trust and facilitate meetings. Since EAOs are already struggling to meet even among themselves, mediators might be necessary.” said Col. Khun Okkar.
While seeing President Thein Sein with EAOs when the NCA draft was confirmed
The 7 EAO Alliance (seven ceasefire signatory groups), has laid out a “five-point federal democracy transition process” regarding Myanmar’s political future.
One of these points is guidance on strengthening unity among all EAOs to contribute to the building of a future federal democratic union.
However, as more EAOs have emerged in recent years, gathering them together before the election period will not be easy, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, in an interview with CNI News.
“It is really not easy to bring all EAOs together. Even during the NCA negotiations, there were already more than 20 EAOs. And now, under the unusual political situation of the past four years, more armed groups have emerged. So, with elections coming in December and January, if none of our five proposed processes can be initiated, then gathering all EAOs and uniting them will face many difficulties and challenges.” he said.
While seeing Col. Khun Okkar and other EAO representatives
At present, peace processes and forums are conducted only with the seven NCA signatory groups, while EAOs actively engaged in fighting on the ground are excluded.
EAOs that signed the NCA, along with the government and the military, have already agreed to build a democratic federal union, and political parties have also accepted this.
However, since the political upheaval following February 1, 2021, some EAOs have gone beyond federalism, calling instead for confederation or even the creation of entirely separate, independent states.