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.

CNI News

9 January 2026

The Embassy of India to Myanmar hosted a New Year commemorative reception in honor of media representatives on January 8, 2026, at the India House Lawns in Yangon.

Representatives from more than 25 print and broadcast media organizations attended the event, along with members of the Myanmar Press Council, the President and officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), members of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, friendship associations, and local business leaders.

The reception featured Indian cuisine, beverages, and musical performances for the guests.

CNI News
9 January 2026

Bo Nagar, the leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), announced on January 9, 2026, via his social media page that the National Unity Government (NUG) has begun launching attacks against the BNRA.

According to a statement released by the BNRA on January 8, 2026, it had received confirmed information that NUG-affiliated district command officer Swan Thu Maung and Pule Township’s defense and security official Thit Nyein were holding meetings and preparing troop formations to attack the BNRA.

Subsequently, Bo Nagar announced that the NUG had started attacking the BNRA on January 9.

Bo Nagar stated, “Those who said it was just a disguise—your power-hungry people began attacking this morning.”

However, he did not disclose which townships or which BNRA units were initially attacked by the NUG side.

The BNRA also stated that its troops have been instructed not to fire the first shot, but to retaliate in self-defense only if the other side initiates an attack.

BNRA is an armed group that emerged from the Spring Revolution forces which were primarily active in the Pule area of Sagaing Region, and it is known to have received support from the local population.

CNI News

9 January 2025

U Shu Maung, Chairman of the Naga National Party (NNP), told CNI News that the party won all constituencies within the Naga Self-Administered Zone during the first phase of Myanmar's general elections.

The 2025 Myanmar elections are being conducted in stages:

Phase 1: Commenced on December 28, 2025.

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

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

Chairman U Shu Maung stated that while the NNP swept the Naga region in Phase 1, the party faced a loss in the Homalin Township constituency for the Regional Hluttaw, which was contested under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system.

"We won everything in the Naga Self-Administered Zone—all constituencies, including the Pyithu Hluttaw. We won in Nanyun, Leshi, and Lahe townships, as well as in Khamti. In Homalin, we lost the Regional Hluttaw seat contested under the winner-takes-all system. However, we won decisively in the areas contested under the Proportional Representation (PR) system," said U Shu Maung.

Naga National Party members during an election campaign.

Election Landscape

Current reports from Phase 1 (held on December 28, 2025) indicate the following standings:

USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party): Currently leading with an 80% win rate nationwide, including all seats in the Yangon Region and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

NUP (National Unity Party): Currently in second place.

Third Place: Shared by the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), Naga National Party (NNP), Mon Unity Party (MUP), Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party.

Candidate Status

The NNP contested in five townships during Phase 1. U Shu Maung noted that several candidates under the PR system are still awaiting further results or upcoming phases.

"We contested in five townships: the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Upper Sagaing Region, Khamti, and Homalin. Our candidates still have to compete in the upcoming PR-based elections. We will have a clearer picture once all three phases are complete. However, we have already secured four townships for the Pyithu Hluttaw, one seat for the Amyotha Hluttaw, and four seats for the Regional Hluttaw," he added.

Chairman of the Naga National Party, U Shu Maung.

Regional Context

The Naga Self-Administered Zone is the least developed of the six self-administered zones and divisions in Myanmar. Due to its mountainous terrain, the region faces significant challenges, including:

Shortages of school teachers.

High commodity prices.

Taxation by armed groups.

Delays in the flow of goods and logistics.

CNI News

9 January 2026

U Lwin Myint, an election candidate registered under the People's Party (PP), was sentenced to one year in prison with hard labor by the Thingangyun Township Court on January 8, 2026, according to a statement from the party.

The People's Party informed media outlets that "Candidate U Lwin Myint was sentenced to one year of imprisonment with hard labor by the Thingangyun Township Court under Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law."

U Lwin Myint was a candidate set to contest in Myanmar's ongoing general elections. However, his candidacy was revoked after his campaign speeches were found to be in violation of Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law.

Following the disqualification, the relevant authorities filed a lawsuit against him, leading to the one-year prison sentence handed down by the Thingangyun Township Court today.

Section 58 (c) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law generally relates to making speeches, or inciting others to act, in a way that targets or harms the reputation of the country, the government, or the election process during the campaign period.