CNI News

14 January 2026

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, told CNI News that Myanmar can defend itself at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by arguing that its actions were a response to ARSA terrorism and did not constitute genocide.

A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for the Ministry (2) of the President's Office, U Ko Ko Hlaing, will present the defense at the ICJ hearings in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding the Rohingya (Bengali) issue.

The delegation, which includes Union Attorney General and Minister for the Ministry of Legal Affairs Dr. Thida Oo, departed for the Netherlands on January 9, 2026.

The ICJ hearings are scheduled from January 12 to January 29. Myanmar is slated to present its oral arguments twice: first from January 16 to 20, and again from January 28 to 29.

U Ko Ko Hlaing and Dr. Thida Oo seen at the airport.

Colonel Khun Okkar suggested that the Myanmar representatives could approach their defense from two primary legal angles, emphasizing the lack of genocidal intent.

"From what I understand, there are two ways to argue from a legal perspective," he said. "First, by highlighting these terrorist organizations. When groups like ARSA attacked police stations at that time, human rights violations might have occurred during the crackdown on such terrorist groups. However, they can defend themselves by stating there was no 'Genocide Intention.'"

Colonel Khun Okkar further explained that the Myanmar representatives might challenge whether the Gambia can provide sufficient and solid evidence for its allegations.

U Ko Ko Hlaing presenting oral arguments at the ICJ.

"Secondly, the accuser must provide sufficient evidence. Can they provide enough solid proof? You cannot prosecute a case without adequate evidence. Therefore, the next question is whether the Gambia can prove a 'Material Breach.' The second point is that there was no genocidal intent; it happened during counter-terrorism operations. While there may be suspicions of genocide because of that, it does not mean genocide actually occurred. In law, if there is a 'benefit of the doubt' regarding whether genocide happened, that benefit goes to the defendant. If our country receives that benefit of the doubt, it would mean the actions do not amount to genocide. I believe they will approach the case with these two questions: whether the accusing side can present full evidence."

The ICJ case stems from allegations of genocide following coordinated attacks by the ARSA terrorist group on 30 border guard outposts in Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, during the National League for Democracy (NLD) government's tenure.

The Gambia filed the lawsuit against Myanmar at the ICJ based on these allegations, leading to Myanmar's ongoing legal defense.

The team led by Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing previously represented Myanmar at the ICJ in February 2022.

CNI News

14 January 2026

The National Unity Government (NUG) needs to be cautious that it does not take on the appearance of an organization engaging in bullying and manipulation if it attempts to arbitrarily apply laws, search for faults where none exist, and arrest or suppress other organizations or individuals who are not guilty, BNRA leader Bo Nagar said via his social media page.

Both sides have confirmed that on January 9, NUG’s Yinmabin District command forces raided two BNRA operational checkpoints in Pale Township, Sagaing Region, which are led by Bo Nagar.

Bo Nagar wrote that the Bamar National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), from its top leadership down to ordinary fighters, has not sought personal gain under the pretext of the revolution. He explained that, like fighters from other armed groups, BNRA members face shortages of food and other necessities, and therefore decided to begin collecting taxes starting in early 2026.

 A post written by Bo Nagar

He said that NUG forces justified their actions as law enforcement based on public complaints, but carried out the raids using force without prior notice or consultation.

According to a statement, if the NUG genuinely takes public complaints seriously and truly intends to take action, the BNRA is fully ready to cooperate and provide support.

Bo Nagar stated on his social media page: “If my BNRA forces have committed offenses, we are willing to cooperate by accepting accountability and punishment. However, if organizations or individuals under the NUG are granted impunity no matter how serious their crimes may be, while other organizations or individuals are subjected to fault-finding, arrest, and suppression even when they are not guilty, then this is not the rule of law. Rather, it risks turning into an organization that applies unjust laws and practices warlord-style manipulation. I urge caution.”
He further said that the NUG does not share or redistribute district-level tax revenues at all, and that its treatment of the BNRA requires review. He added that accountability is necessary for these violations.

BNRA forces being seen

If there is no accountability for such actions, Bo Nagar warned that the NUG government would appear to be engaging in acts of oppression and insult against revolutionary fighters who love their country and people, and who have risked their lives and endured great hardship along the revolutionary path.

The BNRA, led by Bo Nagar, emerged from the Spring Revolution forces that have been primarily active in the Pale area of Sagaing Region, and is known to have gained local public support.

CNI News

14 January 2026

The "Youth Peace Forum" is currently being held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-2 (MICC-2) in Myanmar's administrative capital, Nay Pyi Taw, from January 13 to 15, 2026.

Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the opening ceremony and delivered the keynote address.

It is reported that youth representatives from various regions and states across the country were invited to participate in the forum.

The event is being spearheaded and organized by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC).

CNI News

13 January 2026

Authorities in Nay Pyi Taw announced on January 11, 2026, that equipment used for drug manufacturing and "Zha Pian" (online scam) operations was seized in Hsipaw and Mongyai townships of northern Shan State.

On January 9, 2026, security forces seized 18 laptops, 35 desktop computers, 11 mobile phones, and 5 Starlink devices in two buildings (40'x30') used for online scams and gambling operating approximately 9,000 meters northwest of Nalin Village in Hsipaw Township.

Later that afternoon, about 800 meters east of the first location, authorities made further seizures, including:

11 laptops, 6 desktop computers, and 3 Starlink devices.

Two tablet-pressing machines, one drug-stirring machine, and one tablet-counting machine.

2 kg of "Ice" (methamphetamine) and a 10 kg bucket of drug-mixture paste.

25 kg of caustic soda and thirty 25 kg buckets of sodium powder.'

One vehicle, two generators, and one backhoe.

Uniforms and insignia bearing the SSA (Shan State Army) logo, including a green uniform, a pair of two-star shoulder badges, and a green cap.

On January 10, 2026, near Man Phyat Village, approximately 26,000 meters southwest of Mongyai, forces uncovered a large-scale production site consisting of 14 temporary tents and six large buildings. They seized 120 empty plastic barrels, 20 iron barrels containing chemical solutions, 30 empty iron barrels, 60 gas cylinders, 4 large steel steamers, 2 large engines, 67 plastic barrels of acid, and other refining accessories.

The operations continued on January 11, approximately 20,000 meters southwest of Mongyai. Seizures at this site included:

50 plastic-walled buildings used for drug refining and 15 destroyed buildings.

600 gas cylinders, 10 refrigerators, 3 generators, 3 large steamers, and 3 tablet-pressing machines.

500 barrels of chemical solutions, 300 bags of white powder (suspected drug powder), 300 clear plastic bags, and 300 five-gallon acid containers.

6 large steel trays, 30 cardboard boxes of an unidentified white powder, and 300 packages of white powder.

5 motorcycles and 6 suspects, including individuals allegedly linked to the SSA, along with more SSA-branded uniforms and badges.

Additionally, seven primary drug manufacturing sites were discovered 19,000 meters southwest of Mongyai. During the clearance of these areas, 33 warehouses containing drug labs and related materials were found. Items seized there included 443 gas cylinders, 1,312 fiber barrels, 336 iron barrels, two 3-wheel motorcycles, 85 bags of caustic soda, 21 barrels of sulphonic acid, 525 small glass jars, 10 large glass steamers, 40 barrels of ethanol, and 150 steel bowls containing white drug paste.

The Nay Pyi Taw report concluded by stating that during 2025, drugs and precursor chemicals worth over 1,761 billion Kyats were seized across Myanmar.

CNI News

13 January 2026

Political analyst Sai Mein told CNI News that the government emerging from Myanmar’s elections will not be a "people's government" because the election process emerged at China’s behest.

Mr. Deng Xijun, the Chinese Special Envoy who arrived to observe the election, stated that the polls were held based on an agreement between Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (Acting President) and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Sai Mein explained to CNI that major parties like the NLD and SNLD—which previously won landslide victories nationwide—were barred from participating. Consequently, representatives who would truly sacrifice for the people could not be elected.

"A government appointed through an election that lacks public support can never become the government the people desire," Sai Mein said. "Based on our observations, the representatives emerging from this election are those who won via advance votes. This suggests the election is neither simple nor fair. An election held to satisfy China cannot build a genuine government for Myanmar. Currently, revolutionary and armed forces across almost every township are in revolt. This proves that the people’s will is not being met and they cannot yet elect the leaders they need."

The Myanmar flag and the Chinese flag.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held his first meeting with President Xi Jinping on May 9, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. They met for a second time on August 30, 2025, in Tianjin, China.

Mr. Deng Xijun remarked that, in broad terms, everything appeared to be proceeding smoothly during his observation of the Myanmar elections.

Conversely, U Thein Tun Oo, Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, told CNI News that the election provided an opportunity for all citizens. He argued that making various excuses after the election is over, having failed to exercise that right, requires no special explanation.

He further dismissed the claim that the election was at China’s behest, stating that Myanmar does not operate under Chinese sovereignty.

"We already announced how the election would be conducted," U Thein Tun Oo said. "We don't work under Chinese sovereignty, so there's no need to do things according to China's wishes. This doesn't even need clarifying. It depends on how many candidates enter parliament and whom the voters prioritize. If people choose not to vote for certain individuals and then complain when representatives they dislike are elected, they cannot blame others. A citizen has rights. If they don't take their chance when they have it, there is no reason to address their complaints later that the outcome doesn't suit them."

Currently, Phases 1 and 2 of the election have been completed. The remaining Phase 3 is scheduled to be held on January 25 in 63 townships.

CNI News

13 January 2026

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) launched an attack on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) at 6:00 AM on January 12, 2026. The clash occurred at the "18-mile" point between Takar and Nampha in Nanyun Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Upper Sagaing Region.

The NSCN-K/AM stated that the assault was a retaliatory strike following an attack by the NSCN-K/YA on their forces in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung Township, on January 9, 2026.

In the January 9 incident, the NSCN-K/YA attack resulted in two deaths and one injury among NSCN-K/AM personnel.

"As a response to the NSCN-K/YA's attack on NSCN-K/AM in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung Township, on January 9, 2026, our Mobile-6 unit stationed in the Hkamti region attacked the NSCN-YA camp located at the 18-mile point between Takar and Nampha at 6:00 AM Myanmar time today (January 12)," an NSCN-K/AM official said.

Troops of the NSCN-K/YA group.

The NSCN-K/AM reported that there were casualties and injuries on the NSCN-K/YA side during the clash, and they successfully seized control of the NSCN-K/YA camp.

The NSCN-K/AM arrived and began deploying troops on January 1, 2026, with the aim of controlling Pansaung, which serves as the sole border trade outlet for the Naga region. The NSCN-K/YA is also active in the area and is attempting to maintain control over Pansaung.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been in negotiations with the NSCN-K/YA to gain control over the Pansaung region and its border trade routes.

It is reported that India, Myanmar, and China have reached a tripartite agreement to renovate the famous Stillwell Road (Ledo Road). Under this agreement, India is responsible for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin and Mogaung, while China will handle the stretch from Mohnyin and Mogaung to the Lweje border trade zone.

Troops of the NSCN-K/AM Mobile-6 unit.

Regional sources indicate that both India and the KIA are focusing on the Pansaung region for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth elements found within Kachin State.

Currently, both NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA have deployed forces to control Pansaung. A military observer in Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM focuses on peace and Naga development and maintains a close relationship with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). This support from the Myanmar military could potentially allow NSCN-K/AM to take full control of the Pansaung area.

The observer further noted that the Indian government might also support the NSCN-K/AM, as the group prioritizes peace and stability. Peace talks between the NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.

CNI News

11 January 2026

In the midst of the ongoing 2025 General Election in Myanmar, observers are closely watching to see what kind of candidate Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, wants voters to support.

On January 9, 2026, while meeting with officers, soldiers, and their families at the Hainggyikyun Cantonment under the Southwest Command, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted specific criteria to consider when casting ballots.

The Senior General stated: “When casting your votes, you must choose and vote for those who can promote the interests of the region and the State; those who can promote the interests of Race and Religion; those who can uphold and safeguard 'Our Three Main National Causes'; those who possess political, administrative, economic, security, and rule of law perspectives; and those who can work hand-in-hand with the Tatmadaw, which remains the strongest institution as long as the State exists.”

Political observers point out that based on these criteria, the Senior General may be indirectly campaigning for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and its candidates.

Election Progress and Results

Currently, Phase 1 of the Myanmar election was held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships. The USDP won all seats in the Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. Nationwide, the USDP has reportedly secured 80% of the seats contested so far.

Regarding the results, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said: “The results of Phase 1 have been announced transparently for all citizens to know. Based on our past experiences, we find that our country still lacks true politicians who wish to carry out national affairs with deep seriousness.”

Upcoming Election Phases The election continues in the following stages:

Phase 2: To be held on January 11, 2026, in 100 townships.

Phase 3: To be held on January 25, 2026, in 63 townships.

Controversies and Integrity In Phase 1, the USDP won the majority of seats primarily through advance votes. Consequently, some political parties have sent formal letters to both Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the Union Election Commission (UEC) regarding the issue of advance voting.

In response to concerns, the Senior General stated that they are striving to ensure the election is free, fair, and impartial, aimed at creating a dignified parliament(Hluttaw).

CNI News
10 January 2026

A Myanmar delegation led by U Ko Ko Hlaing, Union Minister for the Ministry (2) of the President's Office, will present oral arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, regarding the Rohingya (Bengali) case.

Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing is accompanied by Dr. Thida Oo, Minister for Legal Affairs and Union Attorney General. The Myanmar delegation departed for the Netherlands on January 9, 2026.

The ICJ hearings are scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 29. Myanmar is slated to present its arguments twice: first from January 16 to 20, and again from January 28 to 29.

The ICJ case stems from allegations of genocide following coordinated attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on 30 border guard outposts in Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, during the tenure of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

The Gambia filed the lawsuit against Myanmar at the ICJ based on these allegations, leading to the current legal proceedings.

This is not the first time U Ko Ko Hlaing has represented Myanmar at the ICJ; he previously led the delegation for oral arguments in February 2022.

CNI News
10 January 2026

Clashes broke out between two Naga armed groups at around 5:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung area, Nanyun Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Upper Sagaing Region.

The fighting began after the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Angmai (NSCN-K/AM) was attacked with heavy and light weapons by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA), according to reports.

An NSCN-K/AM member told CNI News,
“While our people were in the village, the NSCN-K/YA attacked us from a distance using mortars and other modern weapons. The attack started at around 5 a.m. They have now withdrawn to other locations.”

During the clashes, NSCN-K/AM confirmed that one of its members was injured and two were killed.

NSCN-K/AM also told CNI News that the actions of NSCN-K/YA had destroyed the peace process and that there was no longer any basis for dialogue with them.

Members of NSCN-K/YA seen

NSCN-K/AM arrived in the Pansaung area on January 1, 2026, and deployed troops in an effort to control Pansaung town, which is the only border trade exit point in the Naga region. NSCN-K/YA has also been active in the area and is likewise attempting to take control of Pansaung.

Regarding control of the Pansaung area and the border trade route, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been holding discussions and coordination with NSCN-K/YA.

It is understood that India, Myanmar, and China have agreed to rehabilitate the historic Stilwell Road (also known as the Ledo Road). Under this agreement, India will be responsible for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin–Mogaung, while China will take responsibility for the stretch from Mohnyin–Mogaung to the Lweje border trade gate.

ome Myanmar Tatmadaw officers and NSCN-K/AM members celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2025

Local sources said that India and the KIA are focusing on the Pansaung area for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth minerals produced in Kachin State.

At present, both NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA have deployed forces and are sharing control responsibilities in the Pansaung area. A military observer from Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM has been able to gradually gain control over much of the Pansaung area because it prioritizes peace and the development of the Naga people, maintains close relations with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw), and receives support from it.

Similarly, the observer noted that the Indian government may also provide support to NSCN-K/AM, which prioritizes peace and stability. Meetings and peace discussions between NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.