CNI News
21 August 2025
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that the biggest challenge during the current period of political instability is the states' secessionist efforts.
He made the remark on August 18, 2025, while meeting with officers and their families at the Magway cantonment.
He said that after gaining independence, the country first adopted a parliamentary system before shifting to a socialist system with a centralized administration. He noted that political disagreements had led to domestic unrest, which the country had to overcome with great difficulty, and that the Tatmadaw (military) had to intervene to restore stability and peace.
"The biggest challenge during this time of political instability is the push for secession from the states," said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. "Just as there are political differences in our country, there are also power struggles between socialist and democratic systems internationally. Historical evidence shows similar rivalries between communist and democratic systems in some neighboring countries."
Leaders of AA, TNLA, MNDAA, KIA
After alleging that the National League for Democracy (NLD) government attempted to form a government without resolving a dispute over the 2020 election voter lists, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD and declared a state of emergency on February 1, 2021, and has been in power ever since.
Subsequently, nationwide protests and armed resistance against the military government have intensified, leading to severe armed conflicts across the country.
Among the armed groups fighting, the Arakan Army (AA) has stated its goal is a confederation at a minimum and the establishment of an Arakan nation at a maximum.
TNLA Secretary-General Tar Bone Kyaw has also urged the Ta'ang (Palaung) people to be prepared to establish their own nation if necessary.
UWSA troops
Similarly, KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Gun Maw stated during a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that ethnic groups might begin considering options beyond federalism in 2025.
Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU), also said on the 76th Karen Revolution Day on June 14, 2025, that the Karen national revolutionary movement is about fulfilling the Karen people's dream of establishing a Kawthoolei nation.
Military and political analysts also point out that the Wa and Mong La groups have established their own separate administrative systems and are operating independently, placing them outside the democracy and federal systems that other forces are striving for.
