CNI News

22 August 2025

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) held a meeting with leaders from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Pangsang on August 20, 2025. 

During the meeting, the UWSA announced it will no longer supply weapons or equipment to any organization, according to a WSTV broadcast on the same day.

The UWSA stated that this announcement is its official military decision.

UWSA Vice Chairman Zhao Guoan addressed the attendees, stating, "We thank all the brotherly organizations for attending this very important meeting. This is to inform you of the Wa State's decision. Before this important decision is officially announced to the public, I want to explain the Wa State's position on peace and the very serious situation we are currently facing."

He continued, "The Wa State will no longer provide weapons and equipment to any organization. It will not provide financial assistance to any organization for any military reason, at any time, or in any place. This decision will be officially announced to the public, and we urge all organizations not to disturb the Wa State again by requesting weapons, equipment, financial aid, or other such matters."

High-level officials from the UWSA, including Zhao Zhongdan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Wa State Central Political Bureau, and Luo Yaku, Vice Chairman of the Wa government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, were in attendance. 

The meeting was also attended by TNLA General Secretary Brigadier General Tar Bone Kyaw and other leaders from the SSPP and MNDAA.

The TNLA and MNDAA were key partners in "Operation 1027," which resulted in the capture of approximately 20 towns in northern Shan State and the Mandalay Region.

According to the report, China has been pressuring the UWSA to halt the sale of ammunition, food, fuel, and medicine to the TNLA and MNDAA. This has reportedly weakened the TNLA's military capabilities, leading to their withdrawal from Nawnghkio and their current defensive posture in Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mogok.

CNI News

22 August 2025

Local sources report that the Arakan Army (AA) is fighting alongside the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) against the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) to gain control of the Indawgyi region, where the majority of the population are Shanni people.

To seize control of the Indawgyi area, the KIA, with about 200 AA troops, launched an offensive on August 16, 2025, attacking SNA outposts in the villages of Ma Mong Kain and Maing Naung.

After the SNA lost some military outposts, they reportedly launched a counteroffensive on August 17, regaining the lost outposts.

A resident of the Indawgyi area stated, "The KIA has been launching an offensive to control Indawgyi since August 16. The surprising thing is that the Arakanese group, the AA, is fighting alongside the KIA. This shouldn't be happening. Why is the AA attacking the Shanni region? There have never been any problems between the Shanni and the Rakhine people. We condemn the AA for fighting on the side of the KIA. We want them to stop this completely wrong action. Even if they are not friends, we do not want them to become enemies."

The AA is a Rakhine armed group that the KIA founded in April 2009 in Laiza, Kachin State. AA leaders are currently residing in Laiza. Since its founding, the AA has been fighting alongside the KIA in their military operations.

The CNI attempted to contact the AA for comment regarding their joint operation with the KIA against the SNA in the Indawgyi region, but has not yet received a response.

The Indawgyi region is part of the Mohnyin Township in Kachin State and is home to a majority Shanni population.

According to local Indawgyi residents, while the KIA was in control of the region, they oppressed the local population in various ways, including going from house to house to arrest and conscript young people and collecting taxes. They said that the Shanni armed group, the SNA, then penetrated and took control of the Indawgyi region in July 2025.

CNI News

21 August 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that the biggest challenge during the current period of political instability is the states' secessionist efforts.

He made the remark on August 18, 2025, while meeting with officers and their families at the Magway cantonment.

He said that after gaining independence, the country first adopted a parliamentary system before shifting to a socialist system with a centralized administration. He noted that political disagreements had led to domestic unrest, which the country had to overcome with great difficulty, and that the Tatmadaw (military) had to intervene to restore stability and peace.

"The biggest challenge during this time of political instability is the push for secession from the states," said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. "Just as there are political differences in our country, there are also power struggles between socialist and democratic systems internationally. Historical evidence shows similar rivalries between communist and democratic systems in some neighboring countries."

 Leaders of AA, TNLA, MNDAA, KIA

After alleging that the National League for Democracy (NLD) government attempted to form a government without resolving a dispute over the 2020 election voter lists, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD and declared a state of emergency on February 1, 2021, and has been in power ever since.

Subsequently, nationwide protests and armed resistance against the military government have intensified, leading to severe armed conflicts across the country.

Among the armed groups fighting, the Arakan Army (AA) has stated its goal is a confederation at a minimum and the establishment of an Arakan nation at a maximum. 
TNLA Secretary-General Tar Bone Kyaw has also urged the Ta'ang (Palaung) people to be prepared to establish their own nation if necessary.

 UWSA troops 

Similarly, KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Gun Maw stated during a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that ethnic groups might begin considering options beyond federalism in 2025.

Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win, Chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU), also said on the 76th Karen Revolution Day on June 14, 2025, that the Karen national revolutionary movement is about fulfilling the Karen people's dream of establishing a Kawthoolei nation.

Military and political analysts also point out that the Wa and Mong La groups have established their own separate administrative systems and are operating independently, placing them outside the democracy and federal systems that other forces are striving for.

CNI News
20 August  2025

Regarding the NCA anniversary event, the National Solidarity and Peace-making Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and seven ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will meet on August 22, according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S).

Colonel Khun Okkar stated that representatives from the seven signatory EAOs will meet with the NSPNC to discuss the details of a collaborative effort to hold the NCA's anniversary celebration.

"The seven NCA groups' representatives are scheduled to meet with the NSPNC. That is correct," he said. "It seems they will discuss the 10th anniversary event as joint ownership. It's about how to jointly manage the event, including venue arrangements and invitation distribution. I think they will also discuss the agenda and which leaders will speak. Since they're planning a Peace Forum, they'll likely discuss what outcomes they want from it. I hear the meeting will be held in Nay Pyi Taw on August 22."

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) will mark its 10th anniversary on October 15, and a grand celebration is reportedly being planned.

There are also reports that leaders from the EAOs involved in drafting the NCA will be invited to the event.

 Colonel Khun Okkar is seen

During the government led by U Thein Sein, a ceasefire was proposed on August 18, 2011, followed by negotiations with 21 ethnic armed groups.

Between 2011 and 2012, 14 ethnic armed groups signed bilateral ceasefire agreements at the state and union levels. Negotiations for the NCA began in 2013, and a draft was finalized in August 2015.

 NCA 8th anniversary celebration

After the draft was approved, the following groups signed the NCA on October 15, 2015: KNU, RCSS, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, PNLO, CNF, and ABSDF. NMSP and LDU also signed the agreement on February 13, 2018.

For years, these 10 groups, under the name Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), engaged in peace talks.

However, after 2021, disagreements arose among the members. The Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF), and the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) declared the NCA defunct and decided to take up arms against the military, and have been engaged in fighting ever since.

CNI News 

20 August 2025

Dr. Myo Set Thway has left the People's Pioneer Party (PPP) and joined the National Democratic Force (NDF) party.

The NDF party announced on August 17, 2025, that Dr. Myo Set Thway has been appointed as the Secretary of its Central Executive Committee.

Dr. Myo Set Thway wrote on his Facebook page, along with the letter of acceptance from the NDF party: "I'm not destined to sit and eat at the dinner table, so I've left after preparing the meal for those who are. I'm a person who is used to paving new roads and walking them, so I will now walk a new path with new road-paving companions. I hope my old friends and acquaintances will understand."

Dr. Myo Set Thway previously served as the General Secretary of the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), led by Dr. Thet Thet Khine, and resigned from the party on August 10, 2025.

According to sources close to him, Dr. Myo Set Thway's resignation from the PPP party was due to internal factionalism, dominance by one group, and personal attacks.

Both PPP and NDF are political parties that will be competing nationwide in the upcoming elections, which are scheduled to begin on December 28, 2025.

CNI News

20 August 2025

Regarding meetings among ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), some groups have not been able to meet because they fear that their donors may disapprove, said Col. Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.

When arrangements were being made for a meeting among the ten EAOs that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), some groups avoided attending out of concern that their donors might be displeased. He added that if they were to invite the seven northern EAOs that have not signed the NCA, it would be even more difficult.

“We, the seven NCA signatory groups, have been making efforts. For a long time, we have been saying that the EAOs should meet and discuss the country’s future. Preparations have also been going on for a long time. But when we cannot create a common ground position, then a meeting cannot happen. For example, ten years ago in October 2015, eight groups signed, and in 2018, two more joined, making ten signatories in total. Even now, these ten groups are not united. If we say, let’s hold a meeting just among these ten, even then, two or three of them are going their own way with their donors and their own agendas. That’s why we can’t meet. If we meet, they worry their donors might get upset. Because of that fear, some groups are unable to meet. So, if we try to invite the seven northern non-signatory groups, it will be even harder. That’s why there may be a need for intermediary organizations to build mutual trust and facilitate meetings. Since EAOs are already struggling to meet even among themselves, mediators might be necessary.” said Col. Khun Okkar.

While seeing President Thein Sein with EAOs when the NCA draft was confirmed

The 7 EAO Alliance (seven ceasefire signatory groups), has laid out a “five-point federal democracy transition process” regarding Myanmar’s political future.

One of these points is guidance on strengthening unity among all EAOs to contribute to the building of a future federal democratic union.

However, as more EAOs have emerged in recent years, gathering them together before the election period will not be easy, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, in an interview with CNI News.

“It is really not easy to bring all EAOs together. Even during the NCA negotiations, there were already more than 20 EAOs. And now, under the unusual political situation of the past four years, more armed groups have emerged. So, with elections coming in December and January, if none of our five proposed processes can be initiated, then gathering all EAOs and uniting them will face many difficulties and challenges.” he said.

While seeing Col. Khun Okkar and  other EAO representatives

At present, peace processes and forums are conducted only with the seven NCA signatory groups, while EAOs actively engaged in fighting on the ground are excluded.

EAOs that signed the NCA, along with the government and the military, have already agreed to build a democratic federal union, and political parties have also accepted this.

However, since the political upheaval following February 1, 2021, some EAOs have gone beyond federalism, calling instead for confederation or even the creation of entirely separate, independent states.

CNI News

20 August 2025

As Myanmar’s election is scheduled to be held later this year, everyone is closely watching what kind of government might emerge after the vote.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that the election will take place in December 2025 and January 2026.

According to Col. Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), a party that wins around 30% or 40% of the votes has the possibility to form the government. Otherwise, only a coalition government will be possible.

“Since the military already holds 25% of the seats in every legislature and government body under the 2008 Constitution—state Hluttaws, state governments, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, and the Union government—any winning party needs to secure at least more than 25%, ideally 30–40%, to have a chance of forming a government. If not, then only a coalition government will be possible, depending on the percentage of seats each party wins. Parties will have to be represented in government and Hluttaw accordingly. That’s why, after the election, it could turn into a coalition-style government. And if no one wins more than half, then three or four parties might have to join together to form the government.” he said.

Political parties meeting with one another

U Htet Aung Kyaw, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Force (NDF), also told CNI News that if no party can secure 25%, then it is possible for the military to lead the formation of the government:

“We still don’t know which parties will actually contest and how much support they will get. Because of that, candidates will compete for the Hluttaw seats, and only after nominations are filed will it be easier to estimate which parties might have the advantage. But what’s certain is that the military already has 25% guaranteed. That also means the vice president position is secured, along with three ministerial positions. If no party wins a clear majority and seat distribution is fairly close, then it could go two ways—either the parties will negotiate among themselves, or they will negotiate with the military. Since we still don’t know how many seats each party will win, it’s too early to say what form the government will take. For example, if one party only wins about 10%, another wins 20%, and another wins 15%, then the military could take the lead in forming the government.”he Said.

In the upcoming election, major popular parties such as the National League for Democracy (NLD), the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), and the Arakan National Party (ANP) will not be participating.

Political parties seen 

Political analyst Dr. Myo Set Hswe told CNI News that the next government is essentially already pre-arranged:

“In my view, the next government is already predetermined. I think it’s already formed in principle. It should be what they call a ‘stakeholder government,’ with representatives from different groups who are deemed eligible to participate. But the leadership and leadership structure have already been decided in advance. They already have a plan and have even chosen who the president will be.” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council, has stated that power will be handed over to whichever political party wins the election.

However, both domestic and international diplomats point out that the upcoming election will be merely symbolic, and that regardless of the results, the outcome will only produce a military-led government.

U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People’s Party (PP), also stated that the election results will not be allowed to go against the military.

CNI Article 

19 August 2025

Myanmar was established on January 4, 1948, when the diverse ethnic nationalities united to gain independence from British colonial rule. However, today there are differing views on whether the current Myanmar is the First Union or the Fourth Union.

Some believe that the First Union was during King Anawrahta’s reign, the Second Union under King Bayinnaung, the Third Union under King Alaungpaya, and that the Fourth Union began when General Aung San and the ethnic nationalities gained independence from the British on January 4, 1948.

On the other hand, some—particularly non-Bamar ethnic nationalities—hold that the independence gained on January 4, 1948, by General Aung San together with the ethnic nationalities marks the founding of the First Union.

Therefore, when building a federal union in Myanmar, non-Bamar ethnic nationalities argue that it should be a “Coming Together Federalism” system (where different groups voluntarily join to live together), while the Tatmadaw, NLD, and USDP insist it should be a “Holding Together Federalism” system (where unity is maintained within an already existing state). These different perspectives make it difficult for Myanmar to truly become “We Are Myanmar.”

Furthermore, disagreements also exist over the term Myanmar itself.

Article 450 of the 2008 Constitution stipulates that the Myanmar language is the official language. Since “Myanmar language” and “Myanmar speech” refer to the Bamar language, many interpret that “Myanmar” essentially means “Bamar.” Therefore, if one accepts the notion of “We Are All Myanmar,” it may implicitly mean “We Are All Bamar.” This makes it difficult for non-Bamar ethnic nationalities to embrace the concept of “We Are Myanmar.”

Additionally, although independence was officially said to have been achieved by all ethnic nationalities together, some argue that, in practice, it was mainly the Bamar who gained it, thereby weakening the shared ownership of independence.

This also contradicts Article 3 of the 2008 Constitution, which states that the country is one inhabited by all ethnic nationalities together.

Thus, for non-Bamar ethnic nationalities to genuinely accept the idea of “We Are Myanmar,” those who govern the country and those implementing peace must find ways to address this issue.

For example, in India, violent communal clashes between Hindus and Muslims after independence led to the partition of India and Pakistan. Afterwards, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru campaigned for everyone to embrace the idea of “We Are India – We Are All Indians.”

In their unifying efforts, Gandhi and Nehru ensured the separation of religion and politics, equal rights for Hindus and Muslims, legal protection against discrimination, and constitutional guarantees of equality for all ethnic groups.

Similarly, the United States, despite being built more on immigrants from across the world than on its native peoples, succeeded in uniting everyone under “We Are American.” This was possible because of a constitution that enshrines equality and prohibits discrimination.

Likewise, India’s “We Are India”, America’s “We Are American”, and Singapore’s “We Are Singapore” identities were all built upon inclusive constitutions guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination.

Therefore, for Myanmar to become “We Are Myanmar,” it must adopt a new constitution that ensures equality, fairness, and non-discrimination for all ethnic nationalities—one that everyone can accept. Otherwise, it may be difficult for “We Are Myanmar” to take root, and in the worst case, even the existence of Myanmar as a nation could be at risk.

In any case, we'll have to wait and see how the future of the country in which we now live will emerge.

CNI News
18 August 2025

Since the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an offensive on the Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, battles are breaking out between the KIA and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), said locals.

The fighting reportedly began on August 16, 2025, after the KIA launched an offensive on the villages of Ma Mohn Kaing and Maing Naung in the Indawgyi region.

" The clashes are taking place in the hills of Maing Naung and Ma Mohn Kaing, as well as in the village of Ingyin Kone. A combined force of KIA/KPDF troops has arrived in the east bank of and in the village of Nant Yin, with the intention of attacking Hopin." said a local resident.

Reports suggest that the KIA and KPDF have deployed a combined force of around 200 troops to take control of the Indawgyi region and the villages of Ma Mohn Kaing and Maing Naung. The Indawgyi region is primarily inhabited by the Shanni ethnic group.

Local residents claim that when the KIA previously controlled the area, they often arrested locals from their homes, recruited, and collected money.

They also said that the KIA granted businessmen permission to mine for gold on the school grounds and football stadium in Ma Mohn Kaing village. When locals protested these actions, some were reportedly arrested.

The Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) began operating in Kachin State to protect the Shanni ethnic group and other Shan communities. In July 2025, the SNA advanced into the Indawgyi region and subsequently took control of Nam Mon and Ma Mohn Kaing villages. The current KIA-PDF offensive is to regain control of this territory.