CNI News
8 January 2026
Political observers are offering various analyses on the reasons why some battalions of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) have transformed into the Karen National Army (KNA) and chosen to operate independently.
Starting from January 1, 2026, Karen Border Guard Forces (BGF) based in Karen State and Mon State officially transformed into the Karen National Army (KNA), according to available information.
Observers note that this transformation from BGF to KNA may be connected to the political platform of Karen armed organizations, peace processes, and the country’s abnormal and complex political landscape.
Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News that the change is closely related to the current political situation in Myanmar, which he described as far from normal.
He said: “As far as I understand, there are many different perspectives on the BGF’s transformation into the KNA. However, I believe this issue is strongly connected to the abnormal political situation currently unfolding in our country.
Karen National Army (KNA) troops
Since 2021, armed conflicts across the country have expanded significantly. Peace processes have stalled, and during this period, the Karen Armed Organizations Unity Committee has also been unable to hold meetings. I think these factors are closely linked to the current situation.
Moreover, without being invited, internationally notorious scam operations have unexpectedly become prominent within our territories and among Karen armed groups. When I consider all these issues together, I believe they are deeply connected to the abnormal political landscape currently prevailing in our country.”
At present, KNA officials have not yet released any official statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the transformation from BGF to KNA and their decision to operate independently.
CNI News attempted to contact responsible officials from both the BGF and the KNA for comments, but phone calls have not yet been answered.
Chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP), U Mann Aung Pyay Soe, told CNI News that the BGF’s transformation into the KNA appears to be a move focused on peace and carried out with restraint.
Karen National Army (KNA) troops
He said: “People are thinking and speculating in various ways. In the past, when we talked about unifying Karen armed organizations, the BGF was also considered a Karen armed group. However, since the BGF was under the control of the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw), that created an obstacle.
Now that it has transformed into the KNA, it may be able to participate in efforts to unite Karen armed groups. However, differences in perspectives still exist among the KNU, KNU/Peace Council, and DKBA regarding issues such as the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and the 2008 Constitution.
Because of these differences, it is difficult to predict outcomes. I think they will proceed cautiously and thoughtfully. It does not seem excessively tense at the moment, but it is still hard to say for certain. Overall, I believe this move is being carried out with a focus on peace and restraint, though whether this will truly hold remains to be seen.”
It has also been reported that Major Naing Maung Zaw stated to a Karen-based media outlet that the official transformation from BGF to KNA was intended to serve peace efforts and promote the Karen national cause.
The BGF is composed of four military regions and 13 battalions. It is understood that while some units have transformed into the KNA, certain other units will continue to operate under the BGF structure.
