CNI News

28 August 2025

If the Myanmar Tatmadaw continues to insist on inviting armed groups to lay down their weapons and then participate in political dialogue, it doesn't want the armed groups to come to the dialogue kind of, said U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, to CNI News.

Although ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) have repeatedly been invited to abandon armed struggle and resolve political issues through political means, those efforts have so far been unsuccessful, he said.

“For peace, they are being invited to abandon armed revolution and join party politics. That kind of invitation was already made in the past. It was attempted, and it failed. We saw that failure. So, if they continue to repeat those same words, naturally, they will not want to come. Instead of doing that, they need to make it attractive for them to come. One method is described in a Chinese proverb: Make those nearby happy and content; then those far away will come on their own. The political parties, CSOs, and the seven groups that signed the NCA and are still not fighting till now—these are the ones close to Nay Pyi Taw. The government needs to think about how to make them satisfied. If they are happy, the groups from afar will be watching them. If the government can make those non-fighting groups, political parties, and CSOs happy, content, and give them opportunities, then it won’t be difficult for the rest of the groups to come to the talks.” said U Khun Sai.

Some NUG leaders

Since the political change in 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has stated that only ethnic armed organizations were included in peace invitations, and that no dialogue was held with PDFs.

However, on September 26, 2024, the SAC announced that ethnic armed organizations and PDFs were invited to give up armed struggle and resolve political problems through political means.

Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing also declared at the Peace Forum in Nay Pyi Taw on June 25, 2025, that the peace door remains open for so-called terrorists, PDFs, and ethnic armed groups.

It has been learned from military and political analysts that leaders of EAOs who participated in drafting the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will be invited to the upcoming ceremony on October 15, marking the 10th anniversary of the NCA signing.

Shanni Army (SNA)

U Khun Sai also told CNI News that how the NCA can be applied under the current political situation is more important than simply commemorating its anniversary.

“Will they invite the groups that participated in drafting the NCA? If they are invited, will their leaders come or not? Either way, holding an anniversary is to honor the fact that the agreement was signed 10 years ago. That is important. But even more important is how we can apply the NCA in the present context. That’s why I expect this issue will also be discussed.” he said.

Analysts highlight that in the run-up to the election, gathering nearly all ethnic armed organizations together for peace talks is unlikely under current circumstances. Therefore, the government may instead pursue one-on-one negotiations with each armed group before the election.

At present, peace processes and forums are being held only with the seven groups that have signed the NCA.