CNI News

23 January 2025

The National Unity Government (NUG) would quickly win the victory only if it cooperated with EAOs, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar-China affairs analyst, told CNI News.

Because there were many Bamar people in the NUG, if we could form an alliance with ethnic armed groups, it would be better, she said.

" Most members of the NUG are Bamar people. Bamar people alone can't succeed. Operation-1027 has given a lesson to us. Victory can be achieved quickly by joining forces with ethnic armed groups. It would be better if we could form a coalition of revolutionary forces. Simply appointing ethnic people to positions will not solve the problems. If you give a Shan national a position, all Shan people will agree.  If you give a Karen national a position, all Karen people will agree. It's impossible." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

While seeing the TNLA

By involving leaders from ethnic alliances in the NUG, the revolution could be spread more widely, said Duwa Lashi La, Acting President of the NUG on 14th January. Moreover, the NUG would need to make reforms quickly in 2025, said PM of the NUG Mahn Win Khine Than at the meeting held on 7th January.

Rather than recruiting with ethnic leaders in the NUG, if the NUG was re-structured, it would be more appropriate, said U Khun Sai taking part in the peace process, told CNI News.

While seeing a KIA official and U Yi Mon

" The NUG proposed to be a federal government since the beginning. It demanded to make governments that represent every state. I think that's how it should be right now. Rather than If we restructure the NUG rather than replenish, it would be more appropriate to win democracy and federalism." said U Khun Sai.

Although Acting President and PM of the NUG expressed to reshuffle the cabinet every so often this month, details have not yet been disclosed.

EAOs and the PDFs have seized control of 144 townships across the country, announced the NUG's Defense Ministry on 4th January 2025.

The NUG was not as successful as EAOs during the past four years of revolutionary period, pointed out some people.

CNI News

23 January 2025

China decisively supported the political discussion under the 2008 constitution, said Miss Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

She said the above at the regular press conference that was held on 20th January 2025.

"China firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, firmly supports Myanmar’s effort to keep the country peaceful and stable and grow its economy, and firmly supports Myanmar in realizing political reconciliation at an early date and advancing its domestic political agenda under the framework of the constitution." said Miss Mao Ning.

With China's mediation, the MNDAA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw met and discussed in Kunming, China for the 7th time on 16th and 17th January 2025. 

While seeing the MNDAA leaders and Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo from the Myanmar Tatmadaw

Both sides agreed to cease fire at the meeting and it would take into effect on 18th January 2025, released China.

" China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors, and we firmly oppose wars and turbulence in Myanmar. We hope that all parties will maintain the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks, earnestly implement existing common understandings, take the initiative in deescalating the situation on the ground, and further negotiate and settle relevant issues through dialogue." said Miss Mao Ning.

Armed organizations could not demand what they want by armed attack and they must discuss politically after renouncing their weapons, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The SAC and the Myanmar Tatmadaw could not discuss politics and the peace process beyond the 2008 constitution. Moreover, according to the 2008 constitution, the SAC was not allowed to recognize territories captured by EAOs. 

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Discussions will only be held about it during the period of the civilian government that will emerge from the elections, pointed out military and political analysts.

In collaboration with the AA, the TNLA, the PDFs, the BPLA, the KNDF, the BNRA, the MDY-PDF, the PLA, and the DPLA, the MNDAA launched Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw in northern Shan State. Moreover, the second wave of the operation was started on 25th June 2025 and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw. 

And then, the MNDAA and its allies were able to seize control of the Northeast Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, Lashio, Phaungsai, Theinni, Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Monko and Kyukote (Pansai).

CNI News

22 January 2025

If federalism was established in Myanmar, the 2008 constitution must be lifted, military and political analysts told CNI News. Many points that go against federalism are included in the 2008 constitution and national politics does not contain the army, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News. 

So, federalism could not be built with the 2008 constitution, he said.

" Federalism can't be built with the 2008 constitution. If we get the draft constitution, the 2008 constitution will have to be repealed. We can't build the federalism, centered on the 2008 constitution. The army doesn't have any power in the federalism. The federalism of any country doesn't contain any participation of the army. The 2008 Constitution contains many provisions that are against federalism. Only when the 2008 constitution is withdrawn, will it make way for the federalism." said Col. Khun Okkar.

While the 2008 Constitution was being read

However, to withdraw the 2008 constitution depended on the military and political negotiations, considered some people. 

Because everyone in Myanmar wanted federalism, although it was not easy, it was not difficult; the main thing was to really want to walk on the federal path, considered military and political analysts.

Finding an answer at the roundtable could be waited even though it might take long; not fighting only was more important, U Khun Sai taking part in the peace process told CNI News. 

" Normally, it's not easy because the one side is saying that the 2008 Constitution is federalism as well and on the other side is demanding higher level such as confederation than the federalism as time goes by. As one country two systems form has become, in any case, it needs to be discussed. Discussion is no problem. But fighting only is the problem." said U Khun Sai.

While seeing leaders from the Myanmar Tatmadaw and EAOs

In Myanmar, many EAOs and political parties are demanding federalism while some EAOs are demanding confederation. Some want the unitary union system and others want to abolish the 2008 Constitution.

Federal system is a system of political governance that is constituted by ethnicities and the people's representatives. 

Federalism term is used to describe the government administration system in which there is a division of power among the central government and regional government.

CNI News

22 January 2025

Online frauds (Zha Pian) were located in the areas where EAO have been active and electricity and internet, basic needs, were gained from other countries, reported the State Administration Council (SAC) on 20th January 2025. 

Some foreigners were widely carrying out online fraud and gambling with the involvement of self-interested individuals from related areas, including EAOs, reported the SAC.

Those who committed online fraud and gambling targeted the areas where there were difficulties and limitations for law enforcement agencies and administrative authorities to fully exercise control and online fraudsters were collaborating with some EAOs including NCA signatories and self-interested individuals from related areas, reported the SAC.

Online fraudsters were using electricity and internet from another country and most basic facilities were invested by foreign organizations, reported the SAC.

" Chinese people are not lying to Myanmar people, nor are Myanmar people lying to Chinese people. A group of fugitives who have committed crimes and are guilty of it are lying to both countries. So, The guilty must be identified and prosecuted while action must also be taken against those who protect them." said the SAC.

Online frauds and gambling have been conducted since 2015 and they reached Myanmar in later 2019.

Foreign nationals involved in online fraud and online gambling were investigated and identified by the SAC and 55,711 illegal immigrants who were arrested from Laukkai, Muse, Tachileik, Myawaddy Towns and other border areas were went back to their native countries.

The SAC sent illegal foreigners back to their native countries from 5th October 2023 to 13th January 2025 and of them, 53,388 people were sent back to China and 648 to Thailand and 20 to South Korea and 22 to Laos and 1,149 to Vietnam and 19 to the Philippines and 142 to Malaysia and 21 to Taiwan and 2 to Singapore and one to Poland and one to Spain and 13 to Russia and 38 to Indonesia and 3 to Uganda and two to Egypt and three to Cambodia and 96 to India and three to Morocco and two to Northern Ireland and one to Kazakhstan and two to Kanya and 60 to Sri Lanka and one to South Africa and one to Hong Kong and two to Sierra Leon and one to Ghana and one to Burundi and one to Turkmenistan and there are 55711 people altogether.

CNI News

22 January 2025

As the problem of Zha Pian ( online fraud) from the border region, which was being talked about in neighboring countries as a hot topic was larger and deeper than everyone thinks, it was not easy for a country alone to tackle it, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News. 

After a Chinese film actor was trafficked, the Zha Pian issue has been increasingly talked about not only among neighboring countries but also among international community.

" Zha Pian problem is larger and deeper than we think. Things involved in the problem are more complicated than expected. So, it's not easy for an organization or a country alone to resolve the problem. It can be resolved only if countries concerned solve." said Col. Khun Okkar to CNI News.

A joint declaration by the ASEAN in which the members of the ASEAN would cooperatively suppress the Zha Pian issue was released after the meeting of ASEAN digital ministers was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 16th and 17th January. General Mya Tun Oo, the SAC Minister for Transportation and Telecommunication, attended the meeting as well.

Due to the increase in online fraud in ASEAN countries, more cooperation would be conducted, said in the statement. 

The Chinese government was making every effort to crack down on the Zha Pian gangs, reported Xinhua News Agency after a Chinese film actor was released from being trafficked to ask him in the Zha Pian business based in Myawaddy, Karen State.

While Zha Pian criminals were being handed over to China

Although the Zha Pian, an illegal business, was being operated internationally before, because famous people such as a Chinese film actor and a model were trafficked and released, it was internationally known, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar-China affairs commentator, told CNI News.

" People come to know the Zha Pian more because famous actor and actress were trafficked. It's not easy to resolve it even in China. So, Chinese FM talked about the Zha Pian at the meeting of the ASEAN and China. China alone can't easily resolve it. So, China has to request Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar to tackle the problem. Online fraudsters who were arrested were handed over to China on a plane full of them by Cambodia not very long ago." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

An online fraudster who pretended to be an ASEAN leader used the AI technology and phoned Thai PM Paetongtarn.

Over 6,000 people from 21 countries including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia and Kanya were believed to be trafficked on the Myanmar side near the Thai border, reported Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese News Agency on 15th January. 

Most of them were trafficked from Thailand to Myanmar and forced them to work in the criminal activities, stated in the news.

Moreover, Thai authorities reportedly has tightened the border security to prevent human trafficking by online fraudsters in Myawaddy.

CNI News

21 January 2025

Those who will fly and fight in airplanes or helicopters must always have high will to fight and win, said General Tun Aung, Chief of Staff (Air Force) at the No. 86 Pilot Training Course Graduation Ceremony on 16th January 2025.

After the training courses completed and when air force pilots arrived at the war plane groups concerned, they would have to serve military operation duties and because they were officials, they would have to serve leadership, said General Tun Aung.

"Whether in carrying out operational duties or training, administrative and other duties, Only with high and firm spirits, air force officials would be able to successfully carry out assigned tasks. Those who will fly and fight in airplanes or helicopters must always have high spirits to fight and win. Moreover, it is necessary to try, practice and construct to keep spirits strong." he said.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC

If the wars and armed conflicts breaking out across the world were analyzed, air and space power played an important role to win the war, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

He said the above at the 77th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of the Air Force of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and at the ceremony of first deployment of war planes and helicopters on 15th December 2024.

" If the wars and armed conflicts taking place around the world today are analyzed, air and space power are mainly important to win the war." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw is relying on air strikes at the current battles across Myanmar between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed elements.

CNI News

21 January 2025

The National Unity Government (NUG) was not as successful as EAOs during the past four years, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator, told CNI News. 

The offices of the ministries of the NUG would be opened in the liberated areas, Sagaing Region during this month and civilian administrative mechanism would be operated, said U Lwin Ko Lat, Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration of the NUG.

The NUG announced that it would open its offices in Sagaing Region although it was not as successful as EAOs. But as it should have opened its offices since the past two years, it would have to work a lot, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the NUG's Home Minister U Lwin Ko Lat

" The military council will attack the offices that the NUG will open. The NUG should think it over before opening the offices. The NUG was not as successful as EAOs during the past four years. In fact, the NUG should have opened the offices since the past two years. It will have to work a lot. Whether it will be able to do it or not will be watched by the people." said U Kyi Myint.

Acting President, Duwa Lashi La told his ministers to rebuild strength domestically in the meeting of the NUG on 26th November 2024. 

The NUG would carry out necessary changes bravely in order to make the revolution successful in 2025, said Mahn Win Khine Than, PM of the NUG, in his New Year Speech on 1st January 2025. And then, the NUG announced that it would open the offices in Sagaing Region.

There are 17 ministries and 34 ministers and deputy ministers in the NUG and the NUG did not say which departments would be opened first within Myanmar. It was necessary to rebuild the unity in Sagaing Region and waging ground wars could not be directed from abroad, U Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the NUG's PM Mahn Win Khine Than and the PDF

" The NUG will reduce the number of ministries after five commissions are formed. The people heartily welcome when they heard that the NUG minister will come to their region and serve their duties. It's very necessary to rebuild the unity in Sagaing Region. Wagaing battles on the ground can't be directed from abroad. In close cooperation with the organizations that are really fighting, the revolution must be promoted after solving the problems on the ground. All working groups of the NUG will be based in Sagaing Region and will work together with the public. It's a good prospect to end the military council, which the people welcome." said U Than Soe Naing.

Indiscipline acts and problems of the People's Administration Association, the People's Defense Force and the People's Security Association have been reported in over 300 cases and if these problems could only be tackled by the NUG, the NUG could receive the public support and could win the battles, pointed out military and political analysts.

The Ministry of Defense of the NUG announced on 4th January 2025 that EAOs and the PDFs have seized control of 144 townships in Myanmar.

CNI News

20 January 2025

Battles breaking out in Myanmar need to stop for a while and talk for the sake of the country, chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Daw Saw Mya RAza Lin told CNI News. 

The 7 EAO Alliance held a meeting on 14th January 2025 and discussed in order to make political discussions that contain all the stakeholders arise.

The matters relating to making preparations in accordance with the political landscape that might evolve during 2025 and holding political dialogues that contain all the stakeholders. 

Leaders from both sides should stop waging battles for a while and make a decision to talk politically, said Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin.

Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin

" The problems of these battles that arose with independence are because of unfulfilled desires and it's truly necessary to accept it. Various ways should be applied to solve the problem. I'd like to say to widen the political framework. It's necessary to put it into practice. The leaders taking part in the conflict need to make a decision that they will talk for the sake of the country." said Daw Saw Mya Raza Lin.

Because armed organizations have announced that they will speed up military activities, battles could take place widespread. 

However, political dialogues could arise as well, considered military and political analysts.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly said it is necessary to solve the political problem through the political means and invited stakeholders to meet and discuss for peace.

While seeing political parties and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The final step to solve the country's crisis was talking at the dialogue roundtable, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt told CNI News.

" Making war and political dialogue are, in my opinion, heads and tails of a coin. There may be various reasons. Political dialogue fails, so war ensues. We can't have political discussions because of the war. The war framework is wide and the political framework is narrow. We have already faced difficulties and crises for about four years. Everyone will agree that the final step to solve the difficulties and crises of the country is talking at the political roundtable." said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

Battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed elements and there are over three million people who have been displaced. 

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

CNI News

20 January 2025

Because the chairman of the State Administration Council had said repeatedly that the election would be held this year, a political dialogue should be held, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process, told CNI News. 

According to the current situation, although it did not seem that a dialogue would emerge, if the election was surely held, before the election, a dialogue should be held, he said.

"Right now, we still can't see any signs to hold a dialogue. But many people including international community have urged to hold a dialogue before the election if the election is certainly held. Naypyidaw must accept it. If all the stakeholders accept it, it's likely to hold a dialogue." said U Khun Sai.

At China's brokered engagement, the SAC and the MNDAA reportedly discussed for the second time in China on 16th January. 

While seeing political parties

In discussion on 15th December 2024 for the first time, the matters relating to removing the MNDAA troops from Lashio, border trade and releasing prisoners of war were discussed and the discussion was broken.

An organization or country that could make a brokered engagement was needed and China was influential in Myanmar's political landscape, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), U Myo Kyaw told CNI News.

"It's difficult for the two organizations fighting against each other to talk. Meanwhile, an organization or country that can make a brokered engagement. The most likely is China that has influence on both sides. Its interests is related to both sides. China is playing both sides. It's worth considering if it negotiates, then it will come up with a solution." said U Myo Kyaw.

While seeing the UEC and political parties

There are considerations that 2025 could be the year which starts searching for a way to reach a decision.

Because the SAC was not able to conduct a great political dialogue and create good results during the past four years, it is hoped that political dialogues will emerge this year.

On the other hand, the SAC might stop renewal of the state of emergency in May, 2025 and hold the election in September or October or November. 

And then the SAC might hand over the power to the winning party in April, 2026, estimated diplomats from local and abroad.