CNI News

2 October 2025

In the context of political differences, efforts must be made with the Union’s interests in mind, with a broad outlook, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

He made the remarks on September 29 while speaking to the media onboard his return flight from Russia and Kazakhstan.

"Mainly, we must strive from all sides. On the other hand, when it comes to political differences, we need to address them with the Union’s interests in mind and with a broad perspective. Some of the things people are saying reflect weaknesses, I think. Mainly, in terms of politics, religion, and ethnicity, some of what is being said is narrow. If these issues are approached and spoken of with a broader view, it would be better. At the same time, we ourselves must make efforts. These efforts have two parts. First, in the area of education—this cannot be denied. The reality in the country is that we are in a weak position in education. Second is production. I have spoken about these before. What does it mean? Mostly, we rely on selling natural resources—mineral products, oil and gas, forest products, and so on. But we are weak in producing and exporting manufactured goods. That is what I am pointing out.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Leaders seen at the NCA anniversary ceremony

The Senior General’s remarks that broader political perspectives are needed for the sake of the Union could be interpreted as a message aimed at achieving election success and persuading those seeking to disrupt the elections, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), a group that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

"In any case, he has the habit of blaming others. Blaming education weaknesses as the cause of political differences, or blaming the lack of Union spirit—those are excuses. In reality, what should be done is to create more opportunities for political dialogue or ceasefire discussions through softer and more conciliatory means. No matter which side commits violent acts, violent actions should not be taken. All leaders bear responsibility for this.”, he said.

Colonel Khun Okkar

At present, intense clashes are occurring between armed groups and the Myanmar Tatmadaw across the country.

Meanwhile, there are those seeking to build a federal union, those pursuing democracy, those pushing for confederation status, those striving for secession, those who want a centralized system, those who want to end military rule, those demanding abolition of the 2008 Constitution, and those who want to draft a new constitution. These varying positions are contributing to political divisions in the country’s nation-building efforts.

CNI News

2 October 2025

Analysts in economics and politics warn that tightened restrictions on those leaving Myanmar for various reasons could lead to corruption among lower-level officials.

According to the population census conducted at the end of 2024, the country’s population was found to be declining. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing explained that the population decrease was due to the large numbers of people leaving the country.

In January 2025, the Ministry of Labor began imposing stricter regulations and certain prohibitions on men between the ages of 18 and 35 who sought employment abroad.

Similarly, when young people attempted to leave Myanmar for overseas destinations, some staff at airports blocked their departures on security grounds or demanded money.

Because many of those wishing to leave the country are young people of military service age, there might be interrogations and tighter scrutiny. Observers note that if the process is not smooth, opportunities arise for those who can manipulate the situation which effectively encourages corruption.

U Thet Lwin Toe, a Myanmar travel business operator, told CNI News:

“As departure restrictions have become tighter recently, I think young people of military service age will inevitably face some questioning and strict scrutiny. Some will still be able to pass smoothly. But at present, for those who are legally allowed to go abroad, if the process is smooth and convenient, it’s much better. Otherwise, when some people find ways to bypass the system while others exploit it, it ends up encouraging corruption.”

While entry cards are being issued at Yangon International Airport

After Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made remarks on the issue of overseas departures, the bylaw of the Military Service Law was promulgated on January 23, 2025.

Article 51 of that law stipulates that anyone who receives a military conscription summons may not leave the country without permission from the Central Recruitment Committee.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, chair of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that if those responsible deal effectively with the misconduct, the public will benefit:

“Even though departure restrictions are in place, sometimes it depends on the attitude and discretion of the officials on duty. In such cases, some people are allowed to go and others are not. But there are also officials engaging in misconduct and making arbitrary decisions. The consequences affect citizens in major ways. If responsible officials give clear instructions and take effective action against misconduct, the people will benefit.”

Even before such official restrictions were introduced, many young people in Myanmar who wished to go abroad had already resorted to illegal border crossings into neighboring countries.

Currently as well, Myanmar citizens continue to leave the country for a variety of reasons.

CNI News

1 September 2025

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that for the upcoming general election to be held on December 28, 2025, the voter lists will be posted publicly for the first time from September 30 to October 13, at the respective ward/village-tract sub-commission offices and villages within the village tracts.

If, for any reason, the lists cannot be posted at the ward or village-tract level, they will be available for inspection at the relevant township sub-commission offices. The UEC emphasized that accurate and complete voter lists can only be achieved if voters themselves come and check the lists during the display period.

Therefore, in order to obtain a correct and complete voter list, the UEC has urged that at least one member from each household (without fail) come forward to check the lists and assist in the process.

According to the announcement, if a voter’s name is missing from the list, they can request inclusion using Form (3). If names of ineligible persons are found on the list, they can file an objection using Form (4). If there are errors in the details of the voter list, they can submit corrections using Form (4-c).

The required forms can be obtained free of charge at the ward/village-tract sub-commission offices. After the processes of inclusion, objection, or correction are completed, the UEC will post the final updated voter lists again in November 2025, ahead of the general election.

CNI News

1 October 2025

Local residents reported that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) took away medicines and accessories from Banmauk Public Hospital in northern Sagaing Region using vehicles.

The items taken from Banmauk Public Hospital included generators, X-ray machines, hospital beds, batteries, inverters, surgical equipment, and medicines.

The KIA-PDF joint forces launched an offensive against Banmauk town on September 15, 2025, and captured it on September 20.

Afterward, they transported hospital equipment and medical supplies out of Banmauk Public Hospital.

Similarly, locals said that around 60 retired government staff and current government employees in Banmauk were also detained and taken away by the KIA-PDF.

CNI News

1 October 2025

Three Karen armed groups announced on September 28, 2025, that they would cooperate to provide security so that the people in Karen State can cast their votes in the elections without suffering casualties or harm.

The Border Guard Force (BGF–Karen State), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army–Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) issued the joint statement following a meeting of their senior leaders on September 28, 2025.

During the meeting, the three groups reviewed and assessed the current military and political situation in Karen State. They stated that the upcoming multi-party democratic general election, scheduled to take place in Myanmar in December 2025 and January 2026, could help resolve the country’s ongoing conflicts through a democratic path by bringing about an elected people’s government. They also said the elections could contribute to peace and development in Myanmar and to a stable and peaceful life for the people of Karen State.

Joint statement issued by the three Karen armed groups on September 28, 2025

In their joint statement, the BGF, DKBA, and KNU/KNLA-PC said: “In this multi-party democratic general election, we will recognize and respect the free will of the local people to participate, and we value democratic standards. To ensure that people can cast their votes freely without harm or loss, our three organizations will provide protection. Furthermore, we will fully cooperate to enable the people to enjoy a stable and peaceful life under a multi-party democratic system.”

Meanwhile, clashes are still ongoing in Karen State between the Karen National Union (KNU), People’s Defense Force (PDF) joint groups, and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The KNU, for its part, announced that it opposes the upcoming election scheduled for December 28, 2025. It urged all Karen people not to cooperate, stating that the election was merely an event to select individuals favored by the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Elections

Similarly, some other ethnic armed groups, as well as the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and PDFs, have declared that they will work to disrupt the election and will take effective action against those who cooperate with it.

On the other hand, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed and promulgated the Law on Protection from Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage of Multi-Party Democratic General Elections on July 29, 2025.

According to this law, those who obstruct, disrupt, or sabotage the multi-party democratic general elections and cause deaths can face a minimum prison term of 10 years up to life imprisonment, and even the death penalty.

CNI News

1 October 2025

The Karen National Union (KNU) and the Arakan Army (AA) have been charged on the grounds that they are attempting to disrupt and undermine the upcoming election. Analysts in both political and military circles are debating whether such legal actions will have any real effect.

On August 30, 11 KNU leaders including Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Padoh Saw Se Gay, and Padoh Ta Doh Moo were charged at Hpa-an Township Police Station on September 1 for allegedly making speeches and statements aimed at disrupting the election process.

Later, on September 9, Saw Saw Poe Lay Di Win was also charged at Paing Kyone Township Police Station in Hpa-an District.

In addition, on August 27, when voter education activities and voting rehearsals were being conducted at a monastery in Yinsal Village, Laymyethnar Township, Ayeyarwady Region, AA and PDF (still under investigation) allegedly attacked with a dropped bomb. On September 4, charges were filed at Ai Thapyoo Township Police Station.

AA Commander-in-Chief Major General Tun Myat Naing

According to Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, these legal actions against KNU and AA are intended to demonstrate that the government claims full sovereignty over the whole country, but in reality, such actions are ineffective.

“The way they act shows they want to claim authority over the entire country. Back when martial law was declared, they even included areas like Wa region and Mong La, where they hadn’t had control for many years. They still included them in the announcement. What they are showing is that only they hold sovereignty over the entire country. This way, other countries will also see them as the de facto government. In reality, the ruling authority is the military commission, so they are just following that approach, showing that only they hold power.”, she said.

Regarding these charges, KNU spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee told the BBC that since KNU is based in its own territory, such lawsuits will not have any effect.

Similarly, AA spokesperson U Khine Thukha denied that the group had bombed the monastery where voting rehearsals were being carried out, stating it was completely untrue.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that, given Myanmar’s current political situation, the government cannot actually enforce these lawsuits against armed groups right now. However, after the election, there could be legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

Former KNU leaders with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

He added that such cases would only be resolved if the government granted a general amnesty:

“KNU and AA leaders are now accused of criminal offenses. In particular, those leaders will one day have to face these charges in accordance with the law. For now, no action can really be taken against them. But in the future, their chances of success are already weakened. The question is whether they will move forward without resolving this issue or not. For ethnic armed groups and insurgents, this will remain an unresolved case if political negotiations are to happen in the future. Just like during U Nu’s time, only a general amnesty will solve the matter. For them, this is quite a disadvantageous position. On the other hand, the government is able to tackle it”he said.

Similarly, on August 31, 17 members of the Chinland Government, including U Par Htan, were charged at Hakha Township Police Station for allegedly making speeches and statements to disrupt the election process in Thantlang Township, Chin State.

According to reports, KNU, AA, and the opposition-aligned Chinland Government have each been charged under Section 23(a) of the Law on the Protection of Public Elections, which criminalizes disrupting or obstructing multi-party democratic elections.

CNI News

30 September 2025

The upcoming election could resolve Myanmar’s political and military conflicts, said U Khin Yi, Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), on September 28, 2025.

However, analysts caution that while elections can help address such conflicts, they are not a “cure-all” solution like a medicine that heals every illness, and achieving complete peace ultimately depends on people themselves.

U Khin Yi stated that the USDP has the means to handle and resolve Myanmar’s ongoing political and military crises.

“Our country has suffered long enough because of ego-driven politicians who see others as enemies, creating violence and conflict. This has damaged the hopes and future of all our people and spread fear and anxiety for a long time. I firmly believe that the upcoming general election on December 28, 2025, will put an end to all of this.”, he said.

Political party leaders meeting with the UEC

Yet, some armed groups—including PDFs, NUG, CRPH, and NUCC—have announced they will not recognize the election and intend to disrupt it, even threatening action against those who participate.

As a result, many domestic and international observers worry the election could trigger not peace but further conflict.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chair of Yangon Watch, told CNI News that although elections are necessary, they cannot resolve all of Myanmar’s political and military problems:

“The election is essential for the country, but it is not a medicine that can cure all diseases. What it will bring is a governing system, one based on democracy and federal democracy, as envisioned in the 2008 Constitution, guaranteeing citizens’ rights. But right now, because it’s still a military government, those rights are restricted. An election can partially meet the country’s needs. Still, military-affiliated interest groups are too powerful in Myanmar. Only if all groups reduce their self-interests can the military situation ease. If the new government prioritizes national reconciliation instead of revenge, political and military conflicts may gradually lessen.”

Candidate numbers for the election

USDP Central Executive member U Hla Thein also told CNI News that while elections can resolve conflicts, total peace cannot be guaranteed:

“Elections can certainly help address political and military conflicts. But in reality, it’s a tug-of-war between the will of the people who want elections and the destructive will of those who don’t. In some places, conflicts may still break out. The government has invited all political parties to participate fairly. Still, complete peace depends on people’s attitudes. If extremists and hardliners cling to their positions, conflict will remain. But for those who want their voices heard, they can run as candidates, win, and raise their concerns in parliament.”

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), 57 political parties and independent candidates have submitted a total of 4,963 candidates to contest in the upcoming election, as announced on September 23, 2025.

Among them, the USDP has fielded 1,018 candidates; the National Unity Party (NUP) 694; the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) 672; the Myanmar Farmers Development Party 428; the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party 584; and the People’s Party 512, among others.

CNI News

30 September 2025

Three Karen armed groups held talks on military conflict and peace issues in Karen State, and observers are watching closely to see what agreements were reached.

The meeting was held on September 28, 2025, at Thakkatay Hsan Pya Village in Myawaddy District, Karen State. Leaders from the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF/KNA), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army–Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) attended the discussions.

Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt of the KNU/KNLA-PC told CNI News that because armed conflicts are widespread, the three groups discussed cooperating on peace-related matters.

“This was a meeting of three Karen armed groups on peace issues, so we will continue to work on matters related to peace. But if we say ‘peace’ at this moment, others might laugh, because everyone knows armed conflicts are spreading across the country. In Karen State as well, battles are ongoing without pause. Under these circumstances, peace feels very far away for us.”, he said.

Leaders of BGF, DKBA, and KNU/KNLA-PC meeting on September 28, 2025

According to him, the three groups also discussed the ongoing armed conflicts they face, the challenges and difficulties, and ways to reduce the suffering of civilians and prevent the conflict from spreading further.

“We are facing many difficulties and challenges right now. Because of this armed conflict, ordinary people are enduring constant hardship. What we want is to reduce their suffering as much as possible and prevent the fighting from expanding. That is why our three groups came together, exchanged views, and discussed. It was that kind of meeting.”, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

Meanwhile, in Karen State, clashes continue between the Karen National Union (KNU), Spring Revolution forces, and the Myanmar Tatmadaw. These conflicts have displaced many civilians and disrupted border trade, leading to rising living costs.

In addition, since the KNU has announced that it will not recognize or participate in the upcoming December 28, 2025 elections, there are fears that fighting in Karen State may intensify during the election period.

CNI News

30 September 2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) may fully withdraw from Bhamo in the near future after capturing Banmauk town in the northern part of Sagaing Region, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), to CNI News.

The joint forces led by the KIA launched an attack on Banmauk on September 15, 2025, at a time when they were under intense pressure from the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Bhamo. They successfully captured Banmauk on September 20.

Although Banmauk is included as one of the constituencies where elections could be held, it is not listed among the 102 townships for the first round of elections scheduled for December 28, 2025.

KIA Chairman Gen. N’Ban La

According to Sai Htay Aung, the KIA attacked and seized Banmauk as a way of regaining military prestige that had been lost in Bhamo, but they may soon fully withdraw from Bhamo.

“Now that Banmauk is in their hands, it is not included in the 102 constituencies for the first phase of elections. But in the next round, it might be included. Within a certain timeframe, the military and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) are likely to recapture Banmauk. If democracy is to be achieved, elections must be held. In my view, KIA attacked Banmauk to regain lost military prestige in Bhamo. So, I believe the KIA will abandon Bhamo soon. The KIA captured Banmauk and achieved military victory, which they can use for political prestige. But on the other hand, I believe they will soon fully withdraw from Bhamo. Soon after the end of this month, the KIA will likely have pulled out completely.” he said.

Currently, after the joint KIA, PDF, and Kadu forces captured Banmauk, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched airstrikes on September 21.

In Banmauk, the majority population is Tai Leng (Shanni), followed by the Kadu ethnic group.

Homalin Town

Observers point out that capturing Bhamauk enables KIA to secure supply routes for troops, weapons, and logistics into the northern part of Sagaing Region.

At present, the SNA controls the western part of Banmauk and is preparing for further battles, as well as working to recapture the town.

Analysts say the loss of Banmauk by the Shanni was due to insufficient manpower and lack of reinforcements.

Sai Htay Aung added that the loss of Banmauk had tarnished SNA’s political prestige, so they will try hard to regain it:

“Since the SNA is allied with the military, they must fight to recapture Banmauk in order to restore their political dignity. Why? Because losing a major town in the Shanni area damages their reputation. People could question why they could not protect their homeland. That’s why I believe the SNA will strive to take back Banmauk.”, he said.

It is also possible that the KIA may extend offensives towards Homalin and Katha. How long the KIA can hold Banmauk remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that the KIA’s attacks on Shanni areas may also be aimed at weakening SNA’s forces and influence.

Currently, the KIA-PDF joint forces are also pressing to capture Homalin. As a result, intense clashes between KIA-PDF and SNA are ongoing in 10 villages around Homalin.