CNI News

26 February 2025

Political parties needed to have negotiated in advance in order o better shape federalism and democracy, vice chairman of the National Democratic Force Party, U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News. 

The public's trust in political institutions is declining federalism and democracy because they are only using federalism and democracy for organizing purposes, pointed out some people.

At present, political parties and the National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) are negotiating and although several agreements have been reached, only when Hluttaws could be convened, could amendments be conducted. So, they have not have been carried out at once, vice chairman of the NDF U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

While the NSPNC was discussing with political parties

" They just talk about federalism and democracy to make people like. But they can't be put into practice. As part of a solution, we (political parties) discussed with the NSPNC. 43 points of agreements have been reached.  These agreements must be submitted to the Hluttaw, which are amendments to be conducted only in the Hluttaw." he said.

The NSPNC and the Working Group of the political parties discussed on 23rd and 24th Jabuary 2025.

43 points were agreed at the discussion and the point ' Myanmar is formed as a Union based on democracy and federalism' was agreed to enact in the constitution. Seven points were under discussion and there were more submissions to amend, said chairman of the People's Party (PP) U Ko Ko Gyi at the press conference on 26th January 2025.

Political organizations and figures were responsible to put federalism and democracy into practice, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

While seeing political parties and the SAC Chairman

" Federalism and democracy - democracy was talked about. Federalism was talked about by ethnic groups. The mainland talked about socialist democracy. In this way, it's been almost 80 years. These two words were used for organizational purpose only. But thsese words were not put into practice. For that, we'll have to put blame on political figures and institutions." he said.

Better implementation of better federalism and democracy could be conducted by negotiation among political parties in advance, said vice chairman of the National Democratic Force (NDF). 

" If all the parties that are running in the election now have negotiated in advance, we'll have a bolder federalism. By coordinating in advance among all political parties on how they will shape up after the upcoming elections, we can achieve a better federal form, a better democratic form with political essence, I think." he said.

However, at present some EAOs want one-party or unitary union systems rather than democratic system, pointed out political analysts.

CNI News

25 February 2025

EAOs that didn't want to renounce armed policy were trying to gain power by territory, said the Commander in Chief of the Defense Services Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 

He said the above at the graduation ceremony of the Thura Company of 124th intake of Officers Training Course of Defense Services (Army) Officers Training School (Bahtoo)
on 21 February 2025.

At present, some EAOs that didn't want to renounce the armed policy collaborated with the NUG, The CRPH and PDFs, and they are using terrorist and armed methods under
the pretext of political issues to instill fear in the people and expand controlled areas, said the SAC Chairman.

" Armed terrorist insurgents are carrying out to gain power by region rather than walking on the multi-party democratic path achieving eternal peace with the people." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has controlled Namkham, Nansang, Mangtong, Mong Ngor, Mong Long, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Thibaw, Kutkai, Namtu in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik and Mabein in Mandalay Region during Operation 1027.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has controlled the Northeast Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw including Lashio, Theinni, Phaungsai, Kon Kyan, Laukkai, Chin Shwe Haw and Mongko during Operation-1027.

In the same way, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has controlled Sumprabum, Injayang, Sadon, Chipwi, Sawlaw, Phimaw, Panwa, Dodphone Yang, Sinbo, Myohla, Manci, Kan Pite Tee, Momauk and Lweje Towns.

The Arakan Army (AA) has controlled Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Minbya, Myebon, Ann, Pauktaw, Taung Goat, Manaung, Thandwe, Gwa and Mrauk U in Rakhine State as well as Paletwa in Chin State.

Moreover, the KIA/PDF joint forces have controlled Shwe Pyi Aye, Phaungbyin, Pinlebu, Khampat Towns in Sagaing Region. At present, battles are severely breaking out between armed groups and the Myanmar Tatmadaw across Myanmar.

During these battles, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of more than 90 townships and several hundred military camps as well as the Northeast Command and the West Command.

The Tatmadaw would continue to wage a just war in cooperation with the local people who wanted peace and stability to prevent terrorist acts and territorial expansion by armed groups, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

25 February 2025

If the words that the chairman of the State Administration Council said were analyzed, the chances that elections could be held in 2025 are very slim, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), U Sai Leik told CNI News.

The chairman of the SAC said repeatedly that a general election would be held in 2025. However, peace and stability were needed in the entire country so that a free and fair general election could be held, said the chairman of the SAC in his letter sent to the 77th Anniversary Celebration of the Chin National Day that fell on 20th February 2025.

"There is no reason to hold a general election. If you carefully examine the words of what the SAC Chairman said, first he said that he would hold the election at once kind of. Second, the election could be just held not all over the country but regionally. He said a few days ago that a free and fair general election could be held only when there is peace and stability in the entire country. So, he's not very keen on holding the election. He might consider the situation to be up in the air even after the election. Taking into account revolutionary, economic and social conditions as well as international pressure, it's much less likely to hold the election, I think." said U Sai Leik.

Only when armed conflicts ceased, could a free and fair general election be held; because armed organizations were trying to build their powers regionally, the Myanmar Tatmadaw would have to continue to wage the war, said chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing at the graduation ceremony of the Bahtoo Cadet Training Course on 21 February 2025.

While the SAC Chairman was meeting with political parties

As armed conflicts became more widespread and more numerous during the past four years of the current politics, military and political analysts wondered how the SAC would perform in order to make the whole country stable.

It was difficult to predict when the election would be held, as it was not known when although the SAC Chairman had promised international diplomats and the public that the election would be held in 2025, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process, told CNI News.

" Naypyidaw sings a different tune at a time. It said first that the election would be held in 2025. But later, when the meeting of Myanmar's neighboring countries was held in Bangkok on 19 December 2024, the SAC said there that the election would be held during the third quarter in 2025 when Thailand asked, I heard. But I haven't heard in Myanmar when the election will be held. Some people said that the election will be held on 9th November. But later I came to know that the election will be held but you can't know when." said U Khun Sai.

While seeing the SAC Chairman and the Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi

According to those close to the SAC, the election would be held in October, November and December, 2025 and the power transfer could happen in April, 2026. 

Although the SAC Chairman had said that the election would be held in August 2023, he extended the state of emergency for another six months under the Section.425 of the 2008 Constitution because the armed conflicts were more widespread.

After that, even though he promised again that the election would be held in 2025 without fail, the exact date when the election would be held has not been announced yet.

CNI News

24 February 2025

As long as the State Administration Council (SAC) has maintained the 2008 constitution in the peace talks with EAOs, there will no solution, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), U Sai Leik told CNI News.

After peace talks were held for the stability of the country, setting aside the 2008 constitution, if the way would be made for new structure, most EAOs would accept to think about, general secretary of the SNLD U Sai Leik told CNI News.

" As the SAC, if it holds peace talks with EAOs under the 2008 constitution, there is no reason to settle the problems. So, the 2008 constitution needs to be left aside. And then, efforts must be made to bring about a political dialogue. After that, if all the stakeholders think about drafting a new constitution, both sides can go ahead. All the EAOs don't accept the 2008 constitution. They all want to go to building a federal democracy. So, without thinking under the 2008 constitution, the SAC must leave the constitution aside. And then, if peace talks were held for the stability of the country and made way for a new constitution, most EAOs will accept that situation to think about." said U Sai Leik.

While seeing the government, the Tatmadaw and leaders of armed organizations

At present, the SAC has temporarily ceased fire with MNDAA after they had discussed. The SAC's discussion with the TNLA for the first time was not convenient and it was said that the SAC discussed in a patronizing manner during its meeting with the TNLA.

If the SAC discussed in a patronizing manner in the dialogues, it wouldn't be easy to be successful, U Khun Sai, who is taking part in the peace process, told CNI News.

" Naypyidaw will know it's not easy if the discussions were not conducted at present I wonder what they will do. If the news that came out is true, the SAC discussed in a patronizing manner. If the SAC discussed in this way, it wouldn't be easy to be successful. I want to urge the SAC to discuss without pre-condition. Under the government led by U Thein Sein, there wad a pre-condition only. it was except for secession, all the remaining things could be discussed. So, I want to urge Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to do the same as U Thein Sein did." said U Khun Sai.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and leaders of armed organizations

When discussing with EAOs, because the SAC has maintained the 2008 constitution, when EAOs demand territories or something that might hurt the 2008 constitution, the SAC might discuss in a patronizing manner, pointed out some people.

The SAC would implement the agreements that are included in the NCA to end armed conflicts; the SAC discussed with some EAOs and had offered EAOs to discuss frankly in the discussions, said in the letter sent by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to the 77th anniversary celebration of the Chin National Day.

CNI News

24 February  2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) entered Pinn Kyaing Village, Mogaung Township and arrested and took away 56 villagers to recruit new soldiers, said locals.

 The KIA entered every house of Pinn Kyaing Village on 20th February and recruited new soldiers. Among 56 villagers arrested, four were women and 52, men. Men are between 21 and 45 years of age, according to the list of those arrested.

Among those arrested, Shan nationalities were the most while only one Kachin ethnic woman was included. Moreover, the KIA arrested all the villagers from Let Pan Dan Village, Indawgyi Township, to recruit new soldiers on 20th February and 20 women near Inn Pho/Inn Ma Village, Mohnyin Township by the KIA on 21st February, said locals.

In the same way, the KIA-PDF joint forces arrested about 700 villagers from Pinn Kha and Kyaung Le Villages Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region on 29th and 30th January 2025 and they haven't been released up to now.

The KIA-PDF joint forces are waging offensives to Banmauk and Bhamo Towns to capture and because they suffered a lot of casualties, the KIA is recruiting new soldiers to fill military force, said locals.

CNI News
23 February 2025

After the State Administration Council (SAC) has imposed the law relating to private security service, the question of allowing security companies to carry weapons has arisen among the people.

The SAC released on 18th February 2025 that it has imposed the law relating to private security service under Section.419 of the 2008 constitution.

According to the law, companies from foreign countries including China, India, Thailand and Singapore which have invested in Myanmar are likely to establish security companies in order to protect their projects, investments, staff and companies, they pointed out.

Having private security companies is something that China is doing, and it is careful about the right to bear arms. So, she doesn't think  the problems will become bigger, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar analyst, told CNI.

" Having private security companies is something that China is doing. It's been doing for long in Pakistan. I heard that its about 300 security forces have arrived in Kyaukphyu. The law seems to follow it. For example, China builds international airfields in Pakistan. Chinese security forces are allowed to carry the weapons just around them. If they go out of the airfields, the Pakistani army will follow them and provide security. I don't know what they will do in Myanmar. China is very careful about these kinds of things. So, I don't think it will become a big problem. I think they will use their security forces to prevent harassment of deep-sea ports or something like this." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

While seeing the AA

Currently, severe battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups throughout Myanmar, and international investments, projects and trade are at a near standstill.

Then, the Chinese government proposed the establishment of a bilateral security company to protect Chinese investments and projects in Myanmar after which the SAC formed the Working Committee for the Establishment of a China-Myanmar Bilateral Security Company on October 22, 2024.

After the formation of the committee, the Private Security Services Act was enacted by the SAC.

The regulations for the Private Security Services Act have not yet been issued and the rules still need to be more detailed, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

While seeing a project in Rakhine State

"Private security is especially important in places like banks. Bank employees will be allowed to carry weapons of the type permitted by the relevant authorities. There will be more effective ways to work on security than before. The law is enacted to protect the sectors concerned. It says the security staff can defend and fight back according to the law if the sector is robbed or fought. The law has been just issued. The bylaw will need to be more detailed, I think. For example, the bylaw must include how many there are the number of security staff who are allowed to carry the weapons and what kinds of weapons will be allowed to carry." said U Thein Tun Oo.

According to the law, security companies must cooperate with national security organizations and according to the plans of the relevant supervisory committee and the state security organizations they must systematically collaborate.

According to the law, when licensed foreign security companies hire security staff, 75 percent of the staff must be Myanmar nationals.

Moreover, as needed for business operations, licensed foreign companies must submit an application for permission to carry weapons and ammunition to the National Defense and Security Council.

CNI News
23 February 2025

Military and political analysts are questioning why the discussion between the Palung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) ended without any results.

The delegation led by the TNLA delegation led by Lieutenant General Tar Jock Ja and the Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation headed by Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo discussed in Kunming, China on 16th and 17th February 2025.

Because there was a difficult situation in the bilateral negotiation, if preparations for the discussion had been made, peace talks would be held again, reported the TNLA on 19th February 2025. The discussion could not succeed because things desired by both sides had a wide gap, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

" Things desired by both sides have a too wide gap. Both sides can't cannot accommodate. The TNLA can't retreat from the territories that it has captured. The military council is just trying to prolong. I think it's not easy to achieve success. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) was able to give in to an extent  because all its territories are next to China. China has influence on the MNDAA. But the TNLA's territories are far away from China." she said.

While seeing the TNLA

The TNLA demanded three points in the Kunming discussion and first, to cease fire after the forces from the two sides stop where they are, and second, the forces from the two sides must stop all the military activities including launching offensives and attacking by drones, air strikes and heavy weapons, and third, to allow the transportation of food and medicine inside the territories controlled by the two sides.

However, because the Myanmar Tatmadaw could not give in, the discussion ended without any agreements. Whether the discussion was successful or not depended on how much China would use its influence, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator, told CNI News.

"The TNLA also wants to establish military-based administrative operations in its liberated areas. So, it wants the military council to stop its offensives. But the government will have to hold the election. But former Thai PM, an advisor to the ASEAN Chairman, said that it would be difficult to recognize the election if it was held without being able to find an answer after negotiating with EAOs. So, the military council wants to get on well with EAOs. Both sides will try to win what they want in the second discussion as well. But the result won't depend on the both sides but on how much China will use its influence." he said.

At present the TNLA has captured Nansang, Mangtong, Kutkai, Thibaw, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Namkham, Monglong, Kyaukme, NawngHkio in northern Shan State and Mogok, Momeik and Mabein in Mandalay Region during Operation-1027.

CNI News

22 February 2025

There were many destructive actions that could lead to the disintegration of the country and they were very dangerous to the country, said chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 

He said the above in his letter sent to the 77th Anniversary Celebration of the Chin National Day that fell on 20th February 2025.

"Today, there are many acts of unrest and violence, violations of the law, and destructive actions that could lead to the disintegration of the country, including in some parts of Chin State and they are very dangerous to the country. They are destroying the attachment and friendship that have existed for many thousand years among

Among the ethnic brothers and sisters born in the Union. It's necessary to carefully prevent instigatation to create hatred among ethnic groups by internal and external destructive forces and narrow-minded racial ideology." said in the letter.

While the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chin National Day was being held

Fierce battles are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Bago Region, Tanintharyi Region, Mandalay Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Shan State, Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State, Kayah State, Rakhine State, and Mon State.

During these battles, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command as well as over 90 townships.

Due to these battles, there are over three million IDPs and many thousands of houses and buildings were burnt down.

The current violation acts originated from the instigation because of the desire to gain power by force without any correct analysis of the annulment of the results of the vote fraud that took place in the 2020 general election. said the SAC chairman.

" Some ethnic armed organizations that have incorrect attitudes towards the state and the people take advantage of instabilities and they have attacked and destroyed peaceful areas. Because of these incidents, we all know that innocent people in various regions including Chin State are losing not only their lives and properties, but also many public buildings," he said.

It was the local indigenous people who are actually suffering the consequences of armed violence and it would take a lot of time and money for reconstruction, said the SAC chairman.

CNI News

22 February 2025

It was necessary to have stability in the entire country so that a free and fair general election could be held, said chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

He said the above in the letter sent to the 77th Anniversary Celebration of Chin National Day that fell on 20th February 2025.

"The SAC is emphatically carrying out to become a respectable and accurate election that is free from injustices such as threats to all voters, coercion and group bullying. Peace and stability are needed in the entire country so that a free and fair general election can be held." said chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While the MNDAA has captured the Northeast Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw

Only when armed conflict ended, could free and fair elections be held, he said. Fierce battles are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Bago Region, Tanintharyi Region, Mandalay Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Shan State, Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State, Kayah State, Rakhine State, and Mon State. 

During these battles, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command as well as over 90 townships.

Due to these battles, there are over three million IDPs and many thousands of houses and buildings were burnt down. So, military and political analysts are questioning how to achieve peace and stability throughout the country.

While seeing political parties and the SAC chairman

" Because he said peace and stability are needed in the entire country to hold the election, does he mean the election won't be held unless there is peace and stability? Does he mean elections will be held regionally, but not in the entire country? Or does he express that there are difficulties to hold the election because he has no intention of holding the election? they are food for thought." said a politician.

Although Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing announced that a general election would be held in August 2023, because armed conflicts became widespread throughout the country, he extended the state of emergency for another six months under Section. 425 of the 2008 constitution, saying it was an abnormal period.

Although he promised again that the election would be held in 2025 without fail, he has not expressed the exact date when the election will be held.

However, those close to the SAC said that the SAC could stop the extension of the state of emergency and announce the election date; the election could be held in October or November or December 2025 and a transfer of power could take place in April 2026.