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.

CNI News
19 January 2025

Abhay Thakur, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar went to Sittwe, Rakhine State and reviewed the Kaladan Project, reported the Indian Embassy. 

The Ambassador's visit to Rakhine State would be from January 16 to 17 and Managing Director of the India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) was included in the visit.

" Accompanied by Managing Director of the IPGL, Abhay Thakur, Ambassador to Myanmar, went to the Kaladan Port Project in Sittwe to review the current operations of the project." reported the Indian Embassy. 

And then, the ambassador met with Chief Minister of Rakhine State U Htain Lin and discussed the program for supporting the local community and the matters relating to improving connectivity in future, said in the statement by the Indian Embassy.

Moreover, the ambassador met with people of Indian descent there in Sittwe and went to the Consulate General of India in Sittwe. 

The Kaladan River Project is a project connecting Mizoram State, India with Sittwe, Rakhine State, through Paletwa, Chin State. 

The project has been suspended due to the battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) that resumed in November 2023.

At present, the AA has seized control of Paletwa, Chin State and townships in Rakhine State except for Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung

CNI News
18 January 2025

2025 could be the year that starts finding a way to reach a decision in order to be able to solve political and military problems, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

It is hoped that political dialogues will be held this year because the State Administration Council (SAC) was not able to hold any great political dialogues and create good results.

Moreover, many people consider that military activities will be sped up while others think that political sector will be given priority to.

"This year may be the year that starts searching for a way to reach a decision. Because it's the election season now, the peace process and the implementation of the NCA may be delayed. As armed battles are given priority a bit and finding a way by election is also given priority, the NCA and peace talks are not given priority for the time being. But 20 days later, if political performance is given priority more, the NCA and peace process could be started again. But if the military activities will be sped up, the peace process will be a long way." said Col. Khun Okkar.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and representatives from political parties

Some EAOs and revolutionary forces have announced that they will wage more battles in 2025. If the fighting becomes more widespread this year, the decisive situation may be closer, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), U Myo Kyaw told CNI News.

" If battles become widespread, it may be drawing nearer to reach a decision because the military council had to lost control of many territories including military commands and townships. This is the consequence of the widespread battles. It's obvious after Operation-1027. "If the revolutionary leaders who are leading the main military action do what they say, it's very likely to reach a decision." said U Myo Kyaw.
Armed conflicts broke out widespread throughout the country in 2023 and 2024 and the Myanmar Tatmadaw had to lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command as well as over 90 townships.

Because the six month tenure of the SAC will expire on 31st January 2025, EAOs and peacemaking organizations are watching the political landscape that will evolve.

CNI News
18 January 2025

It was too difficult to produce an answer from the discussions between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and EAOs, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

Although there was an agreement between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the MNDAA to meet and discuss again on 15th January 2025, it was put off to 16th January 2025. 

At China's brokered mediation, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the MNDAA discussed in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China on 15th January 2024, the discussion broke down without any results.

If the discussions that were held were studied, results were rarely produced and because the two organizations' destinations were different, it might be too difficult to produce an answer, said U Thein Tun Oo.

" Normally, discussions are held. if the problem was solved politically, how far will it go? It must be watched. If all the discussions are studied, results were rarely produced. If the results are not produced, how long will the discussion take?  It must be mainly seen. the armed groups have mainly chosen the military path while the government is walking on the political path. It's too difficult to produce an answer logically." said U Thein Tun Oo.

While seeing the MNDAA and the UWSA leaders

Some foreign countries were encouraging armed groups fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw directly or indirectly, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in his written speech sent to the celebration of Kayah State Day which fell on 15th January 2025. 

Moreover,  carrying out terrorist acts by local nationality organizations was showing the lack of national spirit, wrong ideology, political immaturity and betrayal of their regions and nationalities, said chairman of the SAC.

Although the SAC did not accept terrorism, it invited armed organizations to discuss the political problem, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP) told CNI News.

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

" In the speeches delivered by the chaorman of the SAC on the days such as national days and state days concerned, he invited armed organizations to discuss in order to solve the political problems through political means. In 2022, he invited to do so after designating as a peaceful year. All the NCA signatories came to discuss. Also, non-NCA signatories such as the UWSA and Myla came. In 2025, in his speeches he doesn't seem to accept terrorism. He invited to discuss politically." said Dr.Aye Maung.

In cooperation with the PDFs, the BPLA, the BNRA, the PLA, and the KNDF, the MNDAA, the AA and the TNLA launched Operation-1027. And then, they captured Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Monkoe, Phaungsai, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mangtong, Namtu and Mong Ngor. 

During the second wave of Operation-1027 that started on 25th June, they launched offensives to capture Lashio, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Mogok, Momeik, Madaya, Sintku and Thabeikkyin.

CNI News

18 January 2025

Some foreign countries were delaying multi-party democracy and encouraging authoritarianism in the name of democracy, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC). 

He said the above in his written speech sent to the 73rd anniversary celebration of Kayah State Day which fell on 15th January 2025.

"The current unrest and violence in the country are because those who claim to be struggling for democracy attempted to seize state power unjustly through vote fraud and chose the path of armed violence without solving the dispute democratically in accordance with the law. Some foreign countries that claim to be practicing and protecting democracy are directly or indirectly encouraging armed terrorist attacks which are against the democratic system. These countries are delaying the multi-party democratic system which is the will of the people and encouraging dictatorship in the name of democracy so that they can manipulate our country. I want the people to notice that." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing the NUG's PM and the PDF

The British colonialists invaded the united country (Myanmar) three times starting in 1824 and ruled Myanmar as a slave state. And then, the British divided and ruled the mainland and mountainous region for over 100 years, he said.

Due to the colonialist's divide and rule, some national races chose the armed policy, and there had been lack of peace and stability so far in the country, said chairman of the SAC.

" For the time being, because of the incitements of some foreign countries, some dissidents and organizations that are ignoring the interests of the pub, false and fabricated news that violates ethics and drags the nation into a dangerous precipice, persuasion and terrorist acts of the NUG, the CRPH and the PDFs, there have been no peace with misunderstandings and disunity among the people in some regions." said chairman of the SAC.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with political parties

Having said that the NLD tried to form a government without solving the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took the State power on 1st February 2021.

And then, the National Unity Government (NUG), the National Unity Consultant Council (NUCC), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) that contain some NLD leaders and members of the Hluttaw, the KIA, the KNPP, the KNU, and the CNF and some EAOs are trying to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC.

So, battes are severely taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups throughout the country and over three million people have already been displaced.

The SAC is carrying out in order to hand over the State power to the winning party in the 2025 general election so that armed conflicts could be stopped and the political crises could be come over.

However, the NUG, the PDFs and armed elements have announced that they will completely destroy the election that will be held by the SAC.