CNI News

15 January 2026

The second day of the Youth Peace Forum being held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, was observed on January 14, 2026.

The forum is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 15, 2026. It is organized and led by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), with youth representatives from various regions and states in attendance.

CNI News

15 January 2026

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that legal action will be taken against Daw Thet Thet Khine, Chairperson of the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), and Central Executive Committee member Daw Htet Htet Hlaing. 

The move follows reports of a clandestine meeting between the two party leaders and officials from a foreign embassy.

While the UEC has confirmed that action "in accordance with the law" will be taken, the specific charges and the exact nature of the penalties have not yet been disclosed.

On December 18, 2025, Daw Thet Thet Khine and Daw Htet Htet Hlaing reportedly held an unauthorized and secret meeting with individuals from a foreign embassy at a restaurant on Nat Mauk Road, Bahan Township, Yangon.

Following a tip-off, the UEC conducted an investigation and determined the report to be true. According to the UEC statement, both Daw Thet Thet Khine and Daw Htet Htet Hlaing have confessed to the meeting.

The UEC highlighted that under Section 407(c) and 408 of the Constitution, as well as Section 6(f) of the Political Parties Registration Law, political parties are strictly prohibited from:

Accepting direct or indirect financial, material, or other support from foreign governments, religious organizations, or other foreign entities/individuals.

Being under the influence of foreign entities.

Consequences: Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to the cancellation of a party's registration.

This legal trouble comes at a sensitive time for Daw Thet Thet Khine. In October 2025, she was already disqualified by the UEC from running as a parliamentary candidate due to "unresolved financial liabilities" (specifically a large bank loan).

Furthermore, recent reports indicate that following this embassy meeting incident, Daw Thet Thet Khine was detained for questioning at her residence in Sanchaung Township on the evening of January 13, 2026.

CNI News

14 January 2026

Myanmar Narrative stated on January 12, 2026, that it fully supports the Myanmar delegation that will travel to plead Myanmar’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.

The hearings at the ICJ in The Hague concerning the so-called “Bengali issue” will be led by a Myanmar delegation headed by U Ko Ko Hlaing, Union Minister of the Ministry (2) of the President’s Office.

It is reported that Union Attorney General Dr. Thida Oo, Union Minister of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, is also accompanying U Ko Ko Hlaing, and that the Myanmar delegation departed for the Netherlands on January 9, 2026.

 The statement issued by Myanmar Narrative being seen

The ICJ hearings will be held from January 12 to January 29. Myanmar is scheduled to present its pleadings twice: once from January 16 to January 20, and again from January 28 to January 29.

Myanmar Narrative said: “The submissions presented by the Myanmar delegation to the ICJ are fully in line with the wishes of the people of Myanmar who value peace, stability, and truth. We fully support and encourage the efforts of the delegation, which is standing on the side of truth in order to protect the sovereignty and dignity of the State.”

The group further stated that Myanmar is a country with a strong tradition of peacefully coexisting in friendship with its neighboring countries, and that it has consistently upheld these good traditions.

During an ICJ hearing

Myanmar Narrative also expressed hope and confidence that the honorable judges of the International Court of Justice will uphold their noble judicial ethics and be able to impartially assess and analyze the true circumstances and facts. It emphasized that, in order for an outcome to emerge that is based on mutual respect for international law and the realities actually occurring on the ground, it is extremely important to fairly and justly examine and decide upon the facts.

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

As a result of these allegations, The Gambia filed a case against Myanmar at the ICJ on charges of genocide, requiring Myanmar to respond and defend itself before the court.

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

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.