CNI News
26 November 2025
Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) cannot and should not be involved in illegal trade, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, had previously stated that some EAOs that have made peace with the government lack loyalty to the state and are engaging in illegal trading activities for their own benefit.
Military and political analysts have also pointed out that since 2021 under the SAC and continuing to the present, both government departments and armed groups have been increasingly prioritizing their own economic interests.
Colonel Khun Okkar said that illegal trade issues are mainly connected to Border Guard Forces (BGFs) and related groups, rather than NCA signatories.
Security forces inspecting goods
“Actually, NCA signatory groups are not involved to that extent. Especially along the border, the ones given operational control are the BGFs. The BGFs have greater opportunities. Those of us who signed the NCA genuinely made peace. We signed the ceasefire only to pave the way for political dialogue. So the NCA signatories are Dialogue Partners. We still hold that role. Under the NCA, we are not allowed to do anything that harms the people.Therefore, NCA signatory groups cannot and should not be involved in such activities. This is what I want to clarify.”, he said.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI that many ethnic armed groups tend to prepare for future confrontation once they grow stronger.
“Their main aim currently is to work, earn money, and strengthen themselves. Once they gain enough strength, they will demand what they want from the government. If they don’t get it, they prepare for conflict. In the long term, this should not be allowed. The government must find political solutions.If both politics and military of the government are supported by the public, then these groups can be integrated. If not, the government may have to resort to military solutions eventually.Only then will these issues disappear. Right now, because illegal means of earning money continue and law enforcement cannot address it, the problem persists.”, he said.
The Tatmadaw, armed groups, and international diplomats
In Myanmar, the number of armed groups has increased compared to before. In their respective territories, they collect taxes, allow mining, sell arms, engage in drug trafficking, and run various other businesses widely.
Current NCA signatory groups include: RCSS (Restoration Council of Shan State)၊ KNU (Karen National Union)၊ ABSDF (All Burma Students’ Democratic Front)၊ CNF (Chin National Front)၊ DKBA (Democratic Karen Benevolent Army)၊ KNU/KNLA-PC (Karen National Liberation Army – Peace Council)၊ PNLO၊ ALP (Arakan Liberation Party)၊ NMSP (New Mon State Party)၊ LDU (Lahu Democratic Union)။
