CNI News

4 February 2026

Since February 2021, Myanmar has seen a steady climb in basic food prices, leading many to question the root causes and search for solutions to stabilize the market.

In Yangon, a bag of Sin Thukha rice has reached 85,000 MMK, while a bag of Pawsan rice exceeds 200,000 MMK. Eggs are priced at 350 MMK each, creating significant hardships for the working class. However, the situation is even more dire in other urban areas; for instance, in Homalin, Sagaing Region, a single egg can cost between 1,500 MMK and 2,000 MMK.

Root Causes of Inflation According to businessman U Aung Pyae Sone, the issue is deeply tied to production and labor. He shared the following insights with CNI:

Labor Shortages: Failure to address the scarcity of labor will keep prices on an upward trajectory.

Supply and Demand: Prices fluctuate based on market availability versus consumer needs.

A view of the market in Tamu.

Production Weaknesses: High costs of land, labor, and capital are hindering local output.

Logistics: Instability along transportation routes adds to the final cost of goods.

Operational Costs: Daily expenses and rising wages naturally push commodity prices higher.

Business analysts also point to three fundamental economic factors: Rising Demand, Decreasing Supply, and Currency Inflation.

Furthermore, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw noted that bureaucratic hurdles are a major bottleneck. He explained that delays in obtaining import licenses from the Ministry of Commerce are causing shortages and price hikes for goods that cannot be produced locally.

Proposed Solutions Experts suggest that controlling prices requires more than just a centralized government mandate. 

Key recommendations include: Boosting Local Production: Encouraging domestic manufacturing to replace expensive imports.

Vendors selling basic produce.

Human Resource Investment: Developing skilled labor to ensure efficient production.

Capital Accessibility: Providing the necessary funding and support for businesses to expand.

Policy Reform: Streamlining the import/export licensing process to prevent market stagnation.

Legislative Action: Utilizing parliament to address these economic challenges and influence ministerial decisions.

The Public Outlook Currently, citizens are forced to spend more cautiously than ever. There is a widespread hope among the people of Myanmar that the new government and parliament following the elections will prioritize controlling and reducing the high cost of living.

CNI News

3 February 2026

The growing frequency of brawls, violence, and bullying among students in Myanmar's basic education schools has prompted educators and political observers to question the root causes of this trend.

Recent tragic incidents have highlighted the severity of the issue: On January 27, 2026, a student died following a fight at Basic Education High School (1) in Shwepyitha Township, Yangon Region.

On January 15, 2026, a Grade-12 female student was reportedly raped at Aung Myay Thit Private High School in Taunggyi, Southern Shan State.

Lack of Parental Supervision and Emotional Support Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch group, told CNI News that a lack of adequate care and quality family time is a major contributing factor to youth violence.

A student using a mobile phone inside a classroom.

"Bullying in schools has always existed, but parents are becoming increasingly concerned lately. From a psychological perspective, I believe students are projecting their frustrations with their parents onto weaker peers at school. While this doesn't apply to all, many parents are struggling so hard for their daily livelihoods and economic survival that they have less time to provide sufficient love and attention to their children," she explained.

The Influence of Social Media Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), emphasized that social media platforms now exert an immense influence on the youth. He urged the new government to systematically supervise social media usage alongside maintaining school discipline.

A group of female students seen at a school.

"In our era, school education heavily influenced social life. The supervision of teachers was vital to discipline. Now, social media has taken over. We need age restrictions on electronic device usage and must reintegrate traditional ethics (Loka Niti) into the school curriculum. Furthermore, the government needs to fulfill the infrastructural and resource requirements of schools," Dr. Aye Maung said.

Imitation of Media Violence
Political observers also pointed out that youth are increasingly exposed to domestic and foreign films depicting gang violence and bullying via social media. They warned that young people may be mistakenly imitating these harmful behaviors seen on screen.

CNI News

3 February 2026

State Prime Minister U Nyo Saw has directed authorities to implement security measures for Members of Parliament (MPs) scheduled to attend parliamentary sessions in Myanmar this coming March.

During a meeting of the Central Committee for Organizing Parliamentary Sessions held on January 27, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized several key logistical and safety requirements:

Accommodation & Utilities: Ensuring guesthouses are prepared for MPs with reliable access to drinking water and electricity.

Security Infrastructure: Strengthening security protocols both inside and outside the parliamentary compound, as well as at the MPs' residential quarters, during and between sessions.

Welfare & Transport: Organizing systematic arrangements for catering, healthcare services, and transportation to ensure smooth travel for representatives.

Perspectives on Security Risks
Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) National Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that security is paramount given the current climate.

The Central Committee for Hluttaw meeting led by U Nyo Saw.

"The security of MPs is extremely important right now because once parliament starts, they must speak and act in the public interest. The government should provide firm security because, in a time when armed groups are prevalent, we cannot say there is no danger. To allow MPs to speak freely, security is vital," he stated.

He further suggested that intelligence gathering is key and that government security forces must maintain close coordination with the public to receive timely information regarding potential threats.

U Saw Than Myint, Joint Secretary of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), added that while the state bears the primary responsibility for MP security, the representatives themselves must remain vigilant.

"MPs should avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert. We expect relevant state security organizations to fulfill their duties before, during, and in the intervals between sessions," he said.

U San Lwin of the National Unity Party (NUP) noted that security needs vary and cannot be applied as a "one-size-fits-all" model, urging all representatives to prioritize their personal safety.

Prime Minister U Nyo Saw and the Acting President.

Political Context Myanmar recently concluded its 2025 General Election, which was held in three phases from December 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing previously announced that: Parliament will be convened in March.

A new government will be formed in April.

State power will be transferred to the winning party.

However, the election remains highly contentious. Revolutionary forces and the National Unity Government (NUG) have denounced it as a "sham." Furthermore, the NUG, PDF, and certain Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) have issued warnings that they will take effective action against those participating in the election process.

The military seized power on February 1, 2021, after alleging voter fraud in the 2020 General Election—a claim the then-NLD government did not resolve before attempting to form a new administration.

CNI News

3 February 2026

Military and political analysts are currently evaluating whether a specific ministry related to peace should be established under the new government that will emerge in the near future.

In Myanmar’s history, peace processes have typically been implemented only through the formation of committees. Therefore, Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News that an organization capable of working dedicatedly for peace is truly necessary within the current landscape of numerous challenges and difficulties.

He stated, "Committees have been formed before. There have been joint efforts. However, for a government managing all the affairs of the country, if there is a distinct body and a distinct mandate for such a critically important national issue, I believe it would be more effective than previous committees. Furthermore, our 7 EAO Alliance always urges governments to do this. Peace is a genuine necessity for us. Instead of the current setting where meetings and discussions are incomplete and lack systematic structure, the government should establish a ministry to ensure a systematic framework. A government should adopt firm peace policies and there must be a systematically organized, dedicated mechanism to implement that peace."

Tatmadaw leaders seen

During the Peace Forum 2025, held from June 25 to 27, discussions were also held regarding the formation of a non-governmental peace brokerage group to aid the Myanmar political landscape.

Political analyst U Kyaw Htet told CNI News that while the NSPNC (National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee) currently leads peace negotiations and forums during the military’s administration, other ministries still have to coordinate and assist in the arrangements.

Therefore, he suggested that a dedicated Ministry of Peace should be formed by the government, while a central-level peace implementation committee like the NSPNC should also exist at the state level; both should function simultaneously.

He added, "Regarding the composition, we should include individuals who have been involved in the political peace process since the 2010 NCA path began and those who are close to Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). There are the 10 NCA-signatory groups, though the number has decreased due to later political situations. If we include people from these groups, the public will have more trust in national reconciliation and peace. If a Ministry of Peace is formed, it would be beneficial to appoint a government official as Minister and an ethnic leader from an NCA-signatory group as Deputy Minister. Additionally, a Union-level Peace Implementation Central Committee is necessary. In implementing tasks, the ministry officials need to be individuals granted special authority by the President—similar to the role U Aung Min played previously. The Minister of Peace would lead the preliminary discussions with ethnic groups before moving to the table for final negotiations. Establishing a ministry could move things forward due to the official authority and mandate of a Union Minister."

Individuals involved in the peace process.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has stated that following the completion of the 2025 Multiparty General Election, the parliament will be convened in March, and state responsibilities will be transferred to the winning party according to the procedures.

Furthermore, Prime Minister U Nyo Saw stated during a Union Government meeting on January 27 that since the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) remains vital for the progress of the peace process, the NCA agreements must be practically implemented.

According to sources close to those involved in the peace process, there are considerations to form a Ministry of National Reconciliation under the upcoming new government to implement peace processes, including the NCA.

It is noted that in South Korea, a dedicated Ministry of Unification exists specifically to work toward the reunification of the two Koreas.

CNI News

2 February 2026

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of Yangon Watch, told CNI News that the upcoming new government should relax restrictions on certain social media platforms like Facebook, which currently require a VPN (Virtual Private Network), by implementing a trial period.

Following the political changes in Myanmar after 2021, access to internet-based social media platforms was restricted, with authorities citing security reasons. Due to these limitations, users have been forced to use intermediary applications known as VPNs to access platforms like Facebook.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin suggested that if national security is not affected, the government should move forward from a trial phase toward a full relaxation of these restrictions.

"Both young and old have been calling for the relaxation of VPN restrictions for about a year now. However, it seems the national leadership is being cautious due to security concerns and the potential spread of fake news and misinformation. Before the VPN restrictions, fake news was rampant among the public, and ordinary citizens were caught in a whirlwind of misinformation; people were essentially living on it. This likely led to the decision regarding VPNs. Therefore, if the VPN restrictions are lifted now, the authorities seem to be considering whether those issues will resurface from a security standpoint. That is why the VPN issue remains in a state of limbo. From our perspective, they should temporarily lift the VPN restrictions for a trial period. If security issues arise during that trial, they can simply revert to the original status. We believe a trial period is necessary," she said.

Various VPN application icons.

Currently, all phases of the 2025 multi-party democratic general election have been completed. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has stated that parliament (Hluttaw) will be convened this coming March, and state responsibilities will be handed over to the winning party in accordance with established procedures.

In some regions, citizens are hoping the new government will address issues such as road closures due to local fighting, lack of electricity, internet blockages, and the cutting of phone lines.

Furthermore, political analysts point out that during the five-year period of military administration, various laws were amended, approved, and enacted without a sitting parliament.

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that it would be more beneficial if the incoming government reviews and amends not only the laws enacted during the military administration but also the Constitution.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen with political party leaders.

"I can't say if it will be a 'civilian' government—I don't know what kind of government it will be yet—but it will be a government that emerged from an election. When we say a government born from an election, one thing they can do is address the laws enacted during the five-year military rule. Many laws were passed without a parliament. The new government will have to decide whether to continue upholding them or to review them. If a review is necessary, the new parliament and government will handle it. We used to call the U Thein Sein-led government a 'half-civilian, half-military' government. Back then, he was the President, with Tin Aung Myint Oo and Sai Mauk Kham as Vice Presidents. That's why we called it that. I don't know what 'half' this post-election body will be. Regardless, if they can deal with policies, make changes, and review or amend the Constitution, things will improve. It creates the conditions for necessary work to be done. I think they will start with that at least," he said.

At present, both the international community and domestic military and political observers speculate that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing could become the President following the election. Furthermore, analysts suggest that the incoming government will likely be one dominated and led by the military itself.

CNI News

2 February 2026

In Myanmar, where security is a top priority, questions are being raised regarding how the government and the media should cooperate.

In a country, cooperation between the government and the media can bring significant benefits. Economics analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News that the media is referred to as the "Fourth Pillar" because it has the responsibility to keep a country on the right track.

He stated, "In reality, the media should consist of individuals who thoroughly understand economics, political science, and public administration, and who can think with foresight for the sake of the country. On the other hand, the government must work on innovating and reforming systems for a better future. If experts in both fields—government and media—properly understand economics, political science, and public administration, their cooperation could greatly benefit the nation. As the Fourth Pillar, the media has the duty to ensure the country follows the correct path."

Analysts point out that in today’s era, media is evolving rapidly alongside technological advancements, making it crucial to adapt to the changing role of the media.

Journalists protesting during President U Thein Sein's era (AI).

Similarly, because news flows extremely fast on social networks, political analysts highlight that it is vital for government departments to use media channels to inform the public of their activities accurately and quickly. It is also essential for these reports to be high-quality and constructive.

Dr. Myo Set Thway, a political analyst, told CNI News that media freedom should be expanded, but there should also be quality control systems to ensure the proficiency of journalists.

"In Myanmar, the period under President U Thein Sein after the 2008 Constitution was enacted was the era when media freedom and strength were at their peak. Journalists were given considerable freedom to write. For the upcoming government, while national security is important and it must prevent public misunderstanding and the spread of fake news, I believe it should also grant a reasonable amount of freedom to the media. Of course, vetting is necessary. Currently, many domestic media outlets no longer exist; they have moved abroad. Due to technical shifts, they have become digital/online media. In other words, media presence has thinned out. There should be a system to monitor the quality of news media. So, there are two parts: more media freedom should be granted, but there should be quality control systems to ensure journalists meet professional standards and ethics. Primarily, there may be a need to enact further media-related laws," he said.

Under the U Thein Sein government, which came to power after the 2010 general election, media freedom was granted, and foreign media outlets were allowed to base themselves in Myanmar. Journalists even had the freedom to protest against the government. During that time, a system of checks and balances was maintained between the media and the government, as well as between the media and parliament.

Newspapers seen stacked (IMS).

However, under the Daw Aung San Su Kyi government following the 2015 general election, media freedom faced restrictions, and many journalists were arrested and prosecuted under Section 66(d) and Section 17(1).

Similarly, in the current period, media freedom remains limited, and the landscape for cooperation between the government and the media has weakened.

Sai Mein, Editor-in-Chief of the Shan Herald News Agency, told CNI News that if Members of Parliament (MPs) only act as "nodding yes-men," the path to media freedom will not open.

"The main thing is for MPs in parliament to be able to communicate transparently with the media. If those MPs are afraid to speak out or analyze an issue, it shows that an independent media does not yet exist. They themselves are worried. If that’s the case, how can they represent the people? They must interact openly with the media. They should bravely fight in parliament against laws that act as barriers to the media. But now, many are afraid to answer questions in parliament. If MPs are just at the level of raising their hands and nodding, the path to media freedom will not open," he said.

Political observers and journalists point out that there has been friction and a lack of understanding between successive governments and the media in Myanmar. They emphasize that if cooperation between the government and the media can be established, the country can navigate its transition with stability.

CNI News

February 1, 2026

The NSCN-K/AM group held a ceremony to commemorate the 46th Anniversary of the founding (Rising Day) of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) at its liaison office in Hkamti, Sagaing Region, on January 31, 2026.

The NSCN-K/AM refers to this specific liaison office in Hkamti as their Ceasefire Office.

The NSCN was jointly formed in 1980 by Isak Chishi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah, and S.S. Khaplang. However, following internal disagreements, the group split into two factions in 1988: NSCN-K and NSCN-IM.

NSCN-K: Led by the late Myanmar Naga leader S.S. Khaplang.

NSCN-IM: Led by Indian Naga leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

Of these two armed Naga groups: NSCN-IM entered into a peace agreement with the Indian government in 1997. In 2015, they co-drafted and began implementing a political framework.

NSCN-K signed a regional-level ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar government in 2012.

CNI News
1 February 2026

The leaders of the two Shanni political parties that won seats in the 2025 General Election—the Shanni (Tai Leng) Solidarity Party (SSP), known as the "Tiger King" party, and the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), known as the "Red Tiger" party—told CNI News that they will collaborate to promote Shanni literature and culture.

The priority for the Shanni people is to unify Shanni literature and culture, which currently varies depending on geographical location despite being the same ethnic group. Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the TNDP, told CNI News that the two parties will work together to standardize these cultural elements.

"Regarding the Shanni people, we will implement the wish we have had since 2015. Our party has secured the position of Minister of Shan Ethnic Affairs [in Kachin State]. In Sagaing Region, the SSP has also secured the Minister of Ethnic Affairs position. These ministers will coordinate. We want to ensure Shanni people don't have one script in Sagaing and another in Kachin; if we are one people, we must have one script. Our cultures are the same, everything is the same, so the script shouldn't differ. We will try to unify the script first. By reviewing the past and building the best in the present, we will work toward a better future. We will discuss the current obstacles and how to move forward to achieve a win-win situation for everyone," he said.

Shanni party leaders Sai Htay Aung.

Sai Naing Naing Kyaw, Chairman of the SSP, also told CNI News that since they are the same ethnicity, they should share a single script. He emphasized that the SSP and TNDP will work hand-in-hand to develop the Shanni tribes.

"Being Shanni, we should have a single script. We are one people. We need to move past the attachments of 'my script' or 'your script' based on where we live and establish a standardized script for the entire ethnic group. We will make that happen. Based on the current election results, the TNDP, representing Kachin State, won the Shan Affairs Minister seat. In Sagaing, the SSP will also hold the Shan Affairs Minister seat. Therefore, I believe we can do more for the Shanni people than before. Furthermore, I hope the two Shanni parties can work together for political progress," he said.

Additionally, the Shanni parties told CNI News they would strive to improve regional transportation and infrastructure. Through these improvements, they aim to alleviate the burden of high commodity prices currently facing the public.

Shanni party leaders Sai Naing Naing Kyaw 

In the 2025 General Election, the TNDP party, also known as the Red Tiger Party (Kyarr Ni Party), contested in Kachin State and won a total of four seats. These included one Shan ethnic affairs seat, one seat in the Amyotha Hluttaw through the proportional representation (PR) system, and two seats in the State Hluttaw.

Subsequently, the SSP party, commonly referred to locally as the Kyarr Min Party (Tiger King Party), contested in Sagaing Region and also won a total of four seats. These included one Shan ethnic affairs seat as well as seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw, and the Regional Hluttaw.

CNI News 
January 31, 2026

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) has reportedly retaken control of Banmauk, a town in the upper Sagaing Region, on January 31, 2026, according to sources close to the situation.

Previously, a coalition consisting of the KIA, PDF, and Kadu forces launched an offensive to capture Banmauk on September 15, 2025, and successfully took control of the town on September 20, 2025.

Following those events, the SNA launched a counter-offensive. As of January 31, 2026, they have managed to regain control of almost the entire town. Reports indicate that only the Aye Thar Kone area remains under the previous occupiers' control.

Tags: #Shanni #Banmauk #SNA #Politics #CNImyanmar