CNI News

30 November 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA/KIO) announced on 28th November 2024 that it had abolished the Kachin Special Region-1 after capturing the region. 

The KIA attacked and captured the military camps of the New Democratic Army – Kachin (NDA-K) in Panwa, Kan Pite Tee, Chipwi and Sawlaw Townships that are included in the Kachin Special Region-1 led by U Zakhun Ting Ying in October and November.

" Because dictator governments designated the Kachin Special Region-1 and divided and ruled, the unity of the Kachin People was hurt. So, the KIA had to capture the territories designated as the Kachin Special Region-1 so that not only among Kachin people but also other ethnic people in the Kachin region can live together without becoming disunited." said in the statement. 

While seeing the statement released by the KIO

From now, the Kachin Special Region-1 would be no more, said in the statement. 

So, indigenous people that were under the rule of the Kachin Special Region-1 and investors were invited to carry out the all-round development in cooperation with the KIO without having to worry, said in the statement.

The group led by U Zakhun Ting Ying seceded from the Burma Communist Party in 1989 and made peace with the Tatmadaw in 1990 and then the Tatmadaw designated Panwa, Kan Pite Tee, Chipwi and Sawlaw as the Kachin Special Region-1.

CNI News

30 November 2024

The political form that used the division of power could re-emerge again after the election held by the State Administration Council, chairman of the People's Party (PP), U Ko Ko Gyi told CNI News. 

Chairman of the SAC, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the SAC was making preparations so that a free and fair multi-party democratic general election in 2025. 

After the election, the political form that used the division of power could re-emerge again and armed groups would need to make preparations so that practical political dialogues could be carried out, said U Ko Ko Gyi to CNI News.

" Although some organizations don't accept the election, if the election has been held, post-election political organization that will come to power will have to solve the current problems, when solving, the way to solve will change. Because now is the state of emergency, three powers are in the hands of the C in C. So, there is no check and balance. But after the election, the political form that will use the division of power will re-emerge. So, individuals who will come to power from the election need to have political knowledge and experience as well as desire to make peace so that peace talks can be effectively conducted after the election. It's very important, I think. Moreover, armed organizations will need to make preparations for how to perform practical political dialogues so that the federalism can be well implemented." he said.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was casting a vote

The SAC would mainly carry out to make the vote lists correct in the coming election and Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine would be used, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC on 19th November 2024. 

China supported the five point road map laid down by the SAC and would help in order to be able to hold the election successfully, said Chinese PM Li Chang during his meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Kunming, China on 6th November 2024.

China would continue to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and assistance to Myanmar’s peace process to the best of its capability while China had been paying close attention to what was happening in Myanmar and the situation in northern Myanmar, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning on 26th November 2024. 

While seeing Chinese PM Li Chang and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) requested China to broker in the current situations in September 2024 and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced that it was ready to discuss with the SAC on 25th November 2024.

As the peace talks could be conducted based on the Haigen Agreement, it was necessary to take the election into account, chairman of the Arakan National Network, U Tin Htoo Aung told CNI News.

" Because China has intervened in northern Shan State, a peace form or a dialogue might emerge. Based on the Haigen Agreement, a dialogue will arise, I think. But now as China is talking about the election, it might be taken into account because regional powers and the ASEAN are pushing it as well." he said.

In 2025, a general election will be held and the State power would be handed over to the winning party, said chairman of the SAC.

CNI News

30 November 2024

It has been unclear up to now whether sugar mills in Sagaing Region where the biggest sugarcane cultivation area is located will operate or not, according to farmers. 

If sugar mills in Sagaing Region didn't operate, sugarcane farmers would make a great loss because over 10 lakh tons of sugarcane could be waste, said U Win Htay, vice chairman of the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Entrepreneurs Association.

There are a lot of sugar and molasses produced last year left in the sugar mills because of transportation difficulty and only if the two rival organizations solved that difficulty, it would be convenient for farmers, he said to CNI News.

While seeing Myabayin Sugar Mill

" Farmers are so upset that they want to die. Sugar mills don't let them know whether sugar mills will operate or not. If the mills don't operate, the sugarcane will have to be burned. Farmers will make a great loss. Owners of the mills don't make contracts or don't pay advance money to buy. The problem with them is that a lot of sugar produced last year are in their warehouses. Some mills have lots of molasses because it was so difficult to transport. only if both that organization and this organization solve the problem, will it be convenient for farmers. Otherwise, over 10 lakh tons of sugarcane will be waste." said U Win Htay.

Although sugarcanes are often crushed in early December, sugar mills in Sagaing Region have not designated the price up to now. Moreover, because the mills don't issue advance money, farmers are finding it difficult.

While seeing sugarcane plantation

Because advance money was not issued to farmers, they are finding it difficult to hire workers. Moreover, farmers have not been able to grow sugarcane again, U Maung Swe, a sugarcane farmer from Sagaing Region, told CNI News.

In Sagaing Region, MSC sugar mill only has issued 25,000 kyats per acre as advance money to farmers and not designated the price yet. The mill can crush 200,000 tons of sugarcane.

At present, Myabayin Sugar Mill only in Nyaung Shwe Township, southern Shan State reportedly will buy sugarcane at 200,000 kyats per ton.

CNI News

29 November 2024

That Acting President of the National Unity Government, Duwa Lashi La has recalled its member to come back to Myanmar was likely because of change of Trump's policy, U Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, told CNI News. 

Asking the members of the NUG to come back to Myanmar might mean asking them to come back to places near to the border areas and because changes of policies including visa could take place, it was likely that the NUG thought so, he said.

" Saying to come back to Myanmar doesn't mean saying to come back under the rule of the millitary council but near the border areas of Myanmar because there might be policy changes regarding visa and migration under the US government led by Donald Trump. Under the Biden government, the office of the NUG was allowed to be opened officially. But under the Trump government, it might be hurt. If the Trump government doesn't permit the NUG office to be officially opened, it might affect the dignity of the NUG. If the US did so, it might be hard for European counytries that support the NUG to recognize the NUG." said U Than Soe Naing to CNI News. 

While seeing Duwa Lashi La

However, it would not easy for the members of the NUG if they came back to the border areas, he added.

The NUG should not exist as an expatriate government and strength must be built on the ground, said Acting President Duwa Lashi La at the meeting of the NUG that was held online on 26th November.

Because the NUG took the time properly for the international community, he urged the members of the NUG to gather within the country (Myanmar). 

Because Trump has not been appointed as President, asking the members of the NUG could not relate with the US policy; it would be better for the NUG if it could implement its ideology, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing members of the NUG

" There is an eight point agreement released by the NUG, the KNU, Kayah, Chin and Karen armed groups. As the two main points, one is that they don't accept the 2008 constitution and the other, the army must go back to their barrack. The military council won't accept these points at all. So, I don't think there are any reasons to make political dialogues arise. China has cooperated with the military council for its interests. Revolutionary groups have to lay down strategies, depending on the situation of their cooperation." he said.

China had big influence on both revolutionary groups and the SAC, which could not be ignored; it would be necessary to think so as not to make side effects arise from that situation, said Acting President of the NUG, Duwa Lashi La.

Moreover, it would be necessary to think outside the box and carried out in practice rather than doing conventionally, he added.

CNI News

29 November 2024

Karim A. A Khan, attorney general of the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied to the ICC to issue the arrest warrant for Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC), which the SAC doesn't recognize, announced the SAC on 27th November 2024. 

The attorney general of the ICC, Mr. Karim A.

A Khan applied to the ICC to issue warrant to arrest Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing for the crimes committed against Bengali people in Rakhine State on 27th November 2024.

" Myanmar is not a member of the ICC and it never recognize the statements of the ICC. Myanmar is using the non-aligned policy that is independent and active  in relation with other countries as well as peaceful co-existence policy." reported the SAC.

There were anymore of warrants to apply, said Attorney General Karim A. A Khan to international media. 

Because the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked border guard posts and police stations in Rakhine State in 2017, the Myanmar Tatmadaw carried out a clearance operation. 

And then, Bengali people who lived in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung Townships fled to Bangladesh.

Although the Myanmar government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi tried to receive the Rohingya people who would re-enter, it has not realized up to now.

During the above-mentioned incident, international community accused Myanmar of committing genocide and Gambia prosecuted Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Daw aung San Suu Kyi attended the trial and solved.

CNI News

28 November 2024

Myanmar's neighboring countries must take the AA's role into account in the issues of Rakhine and Bengali because its political dignity has increased, pointed out political commentators. 

If the talks regarding the issue of Rakhine were conducted, negotiations must be conducted with the AA and the SAC could not indulge the situation, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" According to current situation, there is only one strategic military camp of the SAC left in Maungdaw. The issue of Rakhine is the same as that of Kachin. If you talk about the issue of Rakhine, you'll have to negotiate with the AA. The military council won't indulge. But in any case, 75 or 80 percent of Rakhine State has been under the control of the AA that is trying hard to free Rakhine State from the military council. Sittwe, Ann and Gwa only are left with the military council. The regions in the ethnic areas which the SAC can control are gradually decreasing and will die out." he said.

While seeing a junction in Rakhine State

In solving to make Bengalis go home, the role of the AA must be taken into account, said Mr. Hodson, advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. 

Because the AA was able to capture many towns, no one could not ignore it, he added.

" The AA said that it would help for the livelihood of Rohingya or Bengali people who had lived in Rakhine State for so many years. The AA seems to treat properly with ordinary Rohingya people. The AA is able to capture many towns. Its political dignity has increased. No one can ignore that. So, if we talk about the issue of Rakhine, we must take the AA into account." said Mr. Hodson.

Bangladeshi government and Myanmar government agreed to send Bengali people in Bangladesh back to Myanmar on 23rd November 2027. 

However, the agreement has not been able to be fully carried out up to now.

CNI News

28 November 2024

The National Unity Government (NUG) may call all the revolutionary armed groups to peace discussion, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News. 

China has big influence on both the State Administration Council (SAC) and revolutionary groups, which must not be ignored and it was necessary so as not to produce side-effects from that situation, said Acting President of the NUG, Duwa Lashila at the meeting of the NUG on 26th November 2024.

If the NUG was to go to a peace talk, consents among revolutionary groups should have had before going there, said Dr.Hla Kyaw Zaw.

" Side effects what he said seems to mean that northern armed groups should take care so as not to hurt relations with China. In my opinion, the NUG may call a peace discussion with all revolutionary groups. He seems to pave the way for the peace discussion of all revolutionary groups before discussing with the military council. China is putting pressure on the military council to discuss. So, before meeting with the military council, he seems to mean in order to present things in a unison to the military council." she said.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese PM Li Chang

Moreover, China's pressure must not be ignored and it was necessary to have a think so as not to make side effects from that situation as well as to practically think outside the box and carry out, said Duwa Lashi La.

Any revolution was not successful in history and now was the time when discussions for the stability, peace and development should be conducted , chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

" Because armed conflicts including the NUG are taking place in Myanmar, mediation or intervention of the neighboring powerful countries is needed. The first is China and the second, India and now, Thailand to mediate armed conflicts in Myanmar. If we review the whole revolution history, with different independence forms and various resents, armed conflicts took place. Meanwhile, the public had to suffer. Now the NUG emerged. Any revolution was not successful on the Myanmar soil in history. Before the NUG emerged, there were the CRPP and the NCGUB in 1990s. They have died out in the end. The NUG also seems to fade out like a mothball. But all the people regarding Myanmar are considering that the political stability and development are needed. So, how will the SAC be going ahead. It's the when the answer should be found only after discussion and conclusion." he said.

While seeing leaders from the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA

It was necessary to conduct mutual negotiations while it was more necessary to send message from revolutionary forces that they would discuss in a unison in a mild manner, pointed out political analysts.

China firmly opposed wars and turbulence in Myanmar and sincerely hoped that stability would be restored soon in the country, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning in her regular press conference on November 26, 2024.

China would continue to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and assistance to Myanmar’s peace process to the best of its capability. Moreover, China was paying close attention to the situations in Myanmar, said Mao Ning.

CNI News

28 November 2024

Because the State Administration Council (SAC) has limited the distribution of fuel oil to the townships in Sagaing Region a few days ago, the prices of fuel oil have skyrocketed. 

Tamu and Kalay Towns are included in the towns where fuel oil is not allowed to be carried and sold. 

At present, because fuel oil is being carried by waterway, although it does not run out, the prices of fuel oil are skyrocketing; although cheap fuel oil from India is entering, the quality is poor, said Ko Ye Lin Aung, a resident of Tamu, told CNI News.

" The prices of fuel oil are 32,000 kyats per gallon. But now the prices are a little stable because fuel oil is entering by waterway. The prices were about 40,000 kyats per gallon last month. We can't carry fuel oil to Tamu by road. Fuel oil is carried from Kalaywa to Yuwa, from Yuwa to Mawlike, from Mawlike to Kalay, from Kalay to Hesin, from Hesin to Tamu. Fuel oil enters from India. The prices are cheap, but the quality is poor. Fuel oil hasn't run out yet. But the prices are very high." he said. 

Moreover, the prices of fuel oil are getting higher in Monywa. Fuel oil whose price was 20,000 kyats per gallon before is currently over 30,000 kyats.

While a fuel station has been closed

During a few days after the limitation, although the prices were higher because so many people bought fuel oil, now that fuel oil is entering, the prices are declining a bit. 

In the daily flow of goods, if fuel oil that is important was limited, locals would face a lot of difficulties, Ko Htwe, a resident of Monywa told CNI News.

" The prices of fuel oil were higher. Fuel oil is entering. Before the limitation news came out, the prices were around 28,000 kyats. And then the prices were 32,000 to 34,000 kyats per gallon. But some fuel stations didn't raise the prices. People were afraid a few days that fuel oil would be limited. Everyone would be in trouble if the oil was limited because the fuel oil is essential for the flow of goods. It happened like that last year." he said.

Because of difficult transportation in the rainy season, the fuel oil ran out and the price of fuel oil was until over 8,000 kyats per liter in kalay and Tamu.

The townships that fuel oil quota was limited are Nawnghkio, Momeik, Lashio and Mong Yal in northern Shan State, and Minhla, Inndaw, Kyunhla, Mawlike, Katha, Chaung U, Tamu, Myinmu, Phaungbyin, Budalin, Nabar, Kantblu, Myaung, Debayin, Kawlin and Khin Oo in Sagaing Region and, Mogok and Myingyan in Mandalay Region as well as Pauk in Magway.

CNI News

27 November 2024

If the Arakan National Party would have to register in another name after changing the current name so that it would be allowed to register, it had no mind at all to do so, member of the policy steering committee of the ALP, U Tun Aung Kyaw, told CNI News. 

Because the ANP was not abolished, it would carry out for the sake of the people although it was not allowed to register, he said.

" If we can register as the ANP again in accordance with the law, we will. But if we have been refused to register, we will carry out for the interests of the people. Because our party hasn't been abolished, the party will go on existing. Our party will be performing politically for the sake of the people. If we are asked to change the name of the party and register, we'll have no wish to do so." said U Tun Aung Kyaw.

While seeing leaders of the ANP

Because it was estimated that the SAC surely would hold the election in 2025, if the parties that were refused to register were allowed to register again, it would be better, he said. 

The ANP is a party that has won the popular support in a big way and its application for registration was rejected, reported the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 1st July.

Because the ANP was not consistent with the provisions of political parties registration law, it was rejected, according to the statement released by the UEC.

" There are two parts regarding political parties. Political parties that were inconsistent with the provisions of the political parties registration law were rejected although they had submitted applications for registration. This is one part. But although the government invited, if some parties didn't come, it would depend on the decisions of the parties concerned." said U Thein Tun Oo, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, to CNI News.

While seeing supporters of the ANP

The UEC has rejected the New Society Party, the Zomi League for Democracy Party, the People's Power Party, the Arakan National Party (ANP), the Kachin National Congress Party, the Democracy and Human Rights Party, the Union Development Party, the Chin People's Party and Democracy Party. 

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, organizations that have been declared unlawful associations, terrorist organizations as well as the organizations that are supporting directly or indirectly the armed organizations fighting against the State have been rejected to register.

Some former leaders of the ANP and members of the Hluttaw from the ANP are serving in the AA that has been declared a terrorist organization by the SAC, pointed out some people.