CNI News

23 October 2025

All of us must cultivate the spirit of being Myanmar (“We are Myanmar”), said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

He made the remarks on October 21, 2025, during a meeting with students from the seventh batch of the five-year course at the University for the Development of the National Races of the Union, held at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC-1) in Naypyitaw.

“Our ethnic nationalities must nurture a Myanmar spirit — the spirit of unity that makes us say ‘We are Myanmar.’

With this national spirit of solidarity, we must work hand in hand for the peace, prosperity, and development of our nation.

Likewise, young students from all regions should be trained and encouraged to possess positive thinking, willingness to participate, cooperative spirit, unity, and helpfulness,” he stated.

He further said that safeguarding and defending the country’s independence and sovereignty is an inborn duty of all citizens of the Union. Therefore, all people of the nation must stand united with a strong Union spirit to protect and preserve the nation together.

Since Myanmar gained independence in 1948, the country has been unable to resolve fundamental issues such as ethnic equality, self-determination, autonomous administration, establishment of democracy, and the creation of a federal union — leading to the ongoing internal conflicts up to the present day.

As a result, ethnic-based perspectives have emerged, making it difficult to build a true sense of “We are Myanmar.”

According to Article 450 of the 2008 Constitution, the Myanmar language is prescribed as the official working language.

This provision implies that the “Myanmar language” and “Myanmar speech” essentially mean “Bamar language” and “Bamar speech.” Consequently, analysts in military and political circles have pointed out that non-Bamar ethnic groups might find it difficult to accept or identify with the notion of “We are Myanmar.”

CNI News

23 October 2025

Military and political analysts are raising concerns about whether the recommendations from the "Building a Peaceful Future for Myanmar" workshop, held in Nay Pyi Taw recently, can be practically implemented.

It is reported that the workshop, held in Nay Pyi Taw from October 15 to 17, 2025, resulted in 101 recommendations, with 48 recommendations in the political sector and 53 recommendations in the economic sector.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chairperson of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI news agency that if even one-third of these recommendations, not necessarily all of them, could be implemented, it would have significant visible consequences for Myanmar's affairs.

She said, "These recommendations don't require a lot of work. Try to implement about half; even if you can't do half, try one-third, and you will reap many obvious benefits. But in reality, they are often not implemented. That's why we encourage and motivate the leaders to make them happen. The main thing is the next government. These discussion recommendations are action plans for the next government. Therefore, we hope that the leaders of the next government will implement them, as these are suggestions made by the public and experts for the sake of the country and the economy."

Holding the workshop

It is still unclear whether the current administrative body will implement the 101 recommendations from the "Building a Peaceful Future for Myanmar" workshop, or if the new government that comes into power after the election will implement them.

Moreover, military and political analysts point out that questions remain, such as whether the Parliament (Hluttaw) will implement them, or if the implementation will require presentation to and approval by the Parliament, or if implementation can only proceed after receiving other discussion points and full approval.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, who attended the workshop, stated that most of the recommendations from the workshop do not need to be carried out in Parliament but should be implemented by the leaders of the government.

Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI news agency that if the government prepares and implements these recommendations in the best way possible, the desire for armed resistance could decrease.

Holding the workshop

He said, "It will certainly have an impact. In any case, ethnic groups will be satisfied. Economic development will also be achieved. In any case, the country's situation will improve to some extent. That's because if the government creates a better administrative system and environment, it will be a positive factor to some extent in suppressing internal insurgency. We believe that if the government prepares well, the desire to resort to armed opposition will also decrease."

Those who attended the workshop said that the recommendations included suggestions for political and economic reforms that should be carried out within the first 100 days after a new government is formed, as well as conditions that would allow for greater participation of civilian leaders needed for the future state.

In Myanmar, the Union Agreements reached at the "Union Peace Conference" held under U Thein Sein in 2016 and the "21st Century Panglong - Union Peace Conference" held under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have not been implemented to this day, despite being approved by Parliament.

CNI News

23 October 2025

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) does not view the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as a scrap of paper, said Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, Spokesperson for the RCSS, to the CNI news agency.

Six ethnic armed organizations and breakaway groups that had signed the NCA issued a joint statement on October 13, stating that the Myanmar military's coup in 2021 openly destroyed the essence, fundamental principles, and objectives of the NCA, thereby rendering the agreement a scrap of paper.

These organizations include the Karen National Union (KNU), the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF), and the Chin National Front (CNF), who signed the NCA, as well as breakaway groups from NCA signatories: the New Mon State Party (NMSP-AD), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, the RCSS Spokesperson, told CNI news agency that the RCSS does not view the NCA agreement as a scrap of paper and is adhering to it seriously.

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay of the RCSS

He said, "We, the RCSS, do not see it that way. Our organization is still taking the NCA seriously and following it. We are still implementing it. We don't see it as a scrap of paper, as others have said. The aspirations of ethnic groups differ from one group to another, so there is nothing to criticize."

The NCA agreement was first signed during the administration of President U Thein Sein on October 15, 2015, marking its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2025.

However, military and political analysts point out that the NCA's processes have been stalled since after 2020 and remain so today.

A total of 10 organizations signed the NCA: KNU, RCSS, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, PNLO, CNF, ABSDF, NMSP, and LDU.

However, due to differences in stance following the political changes in 2021, the peace process is currently being pursued only with the 7 groups that remain committed to the NCA.

 General Yawd Serk and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen together

Lieutenant Colonel Oum Khay, RCSS Spokesperson, told the CNI news agency that peace must be based on the NCA and carried out with adherence to the mutually agreed terms of the contract.

He stated, "If we talk about peace, it is based on the NCA. But the implementation of the NCA is what is important. Therefore, as I just mentioned, it is necessary to proceed according to the contract agreed upon by both sides. That is what I want to say. It is necessary to proceed with adherence to the terms contained in the NCA agreement. There are many instances where the agreed terms of the contract could not be implemented. But I don't want to go into detail."

Political analysts suggest that while there are not many points in the NCA that need to be rectified, non-functional points should be reviewed, and necessary adjustments should be made.

Currently, the ABSDF, CNF, and KNU have declared the NCA defunct and are engaged in fighting with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). Similarly, the PNLO, ALP, LDU, and NMSP have split into two factions, with some withdrawing from the NCA and others continuing on the NCA path.

CNI News 

23 October 2025

U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News Agency that political parties intending to contest the upcoming election are operating in a manner suggesting they will only gain power by aligning with the Tatmadaw.

Part (1) of the election in Myanmar is scheduled to be held on December 28, 2025, with approximately 5,000 candidates, comprising 57 political parties and 95 independent candidates, set to compete.

U Myo Kyaw of the UNA said, "We are seeing many high-ranking military officers—generals, major generals, colonels, brigadier generals—being included in the parties to contest the election. They are creating and orchestrating this election scenario. On the other side, it's just these soldiers, these dictators, dressed in traditional jackets, working to seize power again."

"The political groups that plan to contest the election are also acting on the idea that they will gain power only by aligning themselves with the military. Therefore, the people must completely reject this. Let them form a government with just one or two votes if they wish. We would say they are forming a government dishonorably," he added.

Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing seen.

Currently, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has been governing under a state of emergency since February 1, 2021, after overthrowing the NLD government. The military claimed the NLD attempted to form a government without resolving disputes over the 2020 General Election voter lists.

Following the coup, the "Political Parties Registration Law" was enacted on January 31, 2023, requiring political parties to re-register. Preparations are also underway to hold the election.

U Thein Tun Oo, a spokesperson for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), told CNI News Agency that political parties contest elections to win the votes of the people, questioning what party in human society does not seek power.

Chief Min Aung Hlaing, armed groups, and political parties seen.

He stated, "A political party is established because they want to benefit the state and the citizens. To do good and get the mandate to act, every political party strives to win the votes entrusted by the people. In this pursuit, what party in this world does not want power, does not want to win? Because if they want to work for the people and the country, they must have the mandate to act. Every party sets the goal of winning the election and works towards it. Therefore, those who are criticizing should consider how their own trusted party has stood. Aligning or not aligning with the military is not the main issue. Talking about aligning with this or that is merely the words of a meaningless group of people. People can analyze and criticize as they like based on this, but a party is based on its stance and policy."

Currently, Part (1) of the election in Myanmar is scheduled for December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, followed by elections in another 100 townships in January 2026. The parliament is expected to be convened in February 2026, and a new government formed in March.

Military and political observers point out that the government that emerges in 2026 will be one led by the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and the political parties will merely be in a position of waiting to be selected to join the government led by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

CNI News

22 October 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, has emphasized the strategic importance of Kokogyun due to its geographical location and urged military personnel and their families stationed there to remain vigilant about security matters.

Speaking on October 18, 2025, during a meeting with officers, soldiers, and their families at the Kokogyun Township military base, the Senior General said:

"Kokogyun is located in a geographically significant area for our country. Therefore, not only the officers and soldiers serving in the Kokogyun military region but also their family members must live with a strong sense of security awareness and alertness.”

He reiterated that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) is an organization responsible for the defense of the nation, and that all personnel should maintain a defense-oriented mindset.

He added that soldiers must remain battle-ready through continuous training and preparation, in accordance with their duties as members of the armed forces.

The Senior General also noted that, given the current political situation in Myanmar, the Tatmadaw continues to play a leading role in national political affairs.

He stated that the general elections will be held soon, describing elections as essential for building a democratic nation. He called on all officers, soldiers, and their families to actively cooperate to ensure the elections are conducted successfully.

CNI News

22 October 2025

National peace and development should remain consistent in terms of policy, even when governments change, said U Ko Ko Gyi from the People’s Party (PP) in an interview with CNI News.

He pointed out that successive governments in Myanmar have often discontinued, modified, or reopened discussions on international cooperation projects initiated by previous administrations. Such practices, he noted, have caused dissatisfaction among foreign investors and led to a decline in trust, resulting in hesitation to invest further in the country.

U Ko Ko Gyi stressed that the government formed after the upcoming election must maintain a unified national policy regarding peace.

“The key point is that the elections are approaching, and when new political dynamics emerge after the election, the elected representatives in parliament and the new government must understand that peace for the nation is a matter that should remain consistent, regardless of who comes to power.If every new government starts doing things differently according to its own preferences, there will be no continuity. That’s why pre-election discussions and consultations are important — to gather ideas and recommendations that can be carried forward into the post-election political process,” he said.

During the administration led by U Than Shwe, Myanmar signed an agreement with China to implement the Myitsone Dam Project. However, under U Thein Sein’s government, the project was suspended due to widespread opposition. Later, when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s government took office following the 2015 general election, the project was still not resumed. Even under the current military administration, which seized power from the NLD government and declared a state of emergency, the Myitsone project remains suspended.

U Ko Ko Gyi said that peace should continue to be a top national priority, especially as the country is experiencing the most intense phase of armed conflict in recent history.

“We believe that peace will remain a top national priority because the current armed conflicts have reached their most critical point. Although the current government has been implementing certain efforts, the next administration must work even harder and with greater momentum to advance these efforts,” he added.

At present, Myanmar plans to hold Phase 1 of its national elections in 102 townships on December 28, 2025, followed by Phase 2 elections in 100 townships in January 2026.

After that, the Hluttaw (Parliament) will convene in February 2026, and a new government will be formed in March 2026.

CNI News
19 October 2025

Political analysts have pointed out that while all-inclusiveness in peacebuilding sounds good in principle, it may not work well if it becomes influenced by ethnic chauvinism.

They noted that in peace processes, there are diverse ideas, opinions, and approaches.

At the 10th Anniversary Ceremony of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) held on October 15, Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defense and Security Council, said that genuine peace can only be achieved through mutual compromise and sincere desire for peace.

Although “all-inclusiveness” sounds appealing, U Ba Shein, Chairman of the Rakhine National Party (RNP), told CNI News that the needs and priorities of different ethnic groups, regions, and local communities vary significantly.

The 10th Anniversary Ceremony of the NCA

He explained:

“People always talk about all-inclusiveness — it’s a nice phrase, and it sounds good. But one person’s needs are not the same as another’s. In Myanmar, every region and ethnic group is different. Local people, armed groups, and leaders in these regions have their own histories, needs, and political aspirations. These things will only align if they share common goals. So, the national leadership and those in authority must analyze these complex and diverse conditions carefully. ‘All-inclusiveness’ won’t work well if it turns into a form of ethnic chauvinism. However, that doesn’t mean it’s unhelpful — it still plays a supportive role,” he said.

Major General Zaw Min Tun also stated that the government is working to ensure there are no gaps in the political landscape, as well as in the peace process. He said the ongoing elections are being organized to reestablish a democratic system, which will help fill political voids.

Peace Forum in session

U Ba Shein added that peace cannot be achieved through mass movements or populism, saying:

“There have been times when we questioned whether peace can really be achieved through populism and mass movements. However, hosting events like this one has drawn the international community’s attention to what’s happening in the country. Foreign scholars and experts will start to share their opinions and perspectives on Myanmar’s situation — and that itself will be supportive in some way. Especially, Indian professors have spoken about India’s ‘Look East Policy.’ Under this policy, India has supported development in its seven northeastern states — not only infrastructure but also addressing the needs of local people. That’s how peace was achieved there. Likewise, in Myanmar, where armed conflicts still exist in various regions, the Union government and responsible officials need to think carefully about which intellectuals, ideas, and political leaders can make the process successful. If they do, it will be beneficial,” he said.

Currently, Myanmar’s peace and ceasefire processes are being carried out under the principle of all-inclusiveness.

However, in practice, true inclusiveness has yet to be achieved, and ongoing discrimination and exclusion have continued to hinder Myanmar’s peace process.

CNI News
19 October 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that it is necessary to take action so that the international community will respect and regard our country with dignity.

He made these remarks during a meeting with chief ministers of regions and states on October 16, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated, “A government has the responsibility to promote the social and economic development of the nation and its citizens. At the same time, it has the duty to ensure national security. Likewise, it is necessary to act in such a way that the international community respects and values our country. Only then will the people have firm trust and confidence in the government, and the government will be able to carry out its administrative duties effectively.”

Therefore, he emphasized that the most important task is to enhance the nation’s socioeconomic development, and he urged all regional and state chief ministers to work diligently toward that goal.

He further instructed the chief ministers to prioritize agricultural development in order to promote the economic growth of their respective regions and the country as a whole.

CNI News

19 October 2025

As Myanmar prepares for the election to be held later this year, both domestic and international observers are closely watching to see what kind of government might emerge afterward.

According to diplomats both inside and outside the country, the planned election in Myanmar will be largely symbolic, and regardless of the results, a form of government led by the military is expected to emerge.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has reportedly told the military that after the election, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) will not directly participate in politics but will continue to take responsibility for national defense.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that the incoming government will need to be moderate, transparent, and work toward lasting peace.

“The government that comes out of this election needs to be moderate and transparent. Only then can the country achieve long-term and sustainable peace. We’ve had over 70 years of experience. Whenever more armed groups emerge and fighting breaks out, it’s always the people who suffer. Now that everyone understands this, the incoming government must handle the issue carefully and decisively.”, he said.

The first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships. The second phase is scheduled for January 2026, covering another 100 townships.

U Li Paw Reh, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party (Dulei Party), told CNI News that the post-election parliament (Hluttaw) will be a multi-ethnic legislature.

“The upcoming government will have a parliament that includes representatives from many ethnic groups. As for the government itself, it is most likely to be formed by a party that can compete nationwide.”, he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, has stated that power will be transferred to whichever political party wins the election.

However, military and political analysts suggest that the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is expected to win the upcoming election and form the government, which will likely be led by the military.