CNI News

16 January 2025

The political path might be given priority after 31st January when the SAC's six month tenure of the state of emergency will expire, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

Because what would happen to political situation when the SAC renews the tenure has not been known yet, it was necessary to watch the political situation what would arise after 3st January, he said.

" It's necessary to watch the political situation that will arise when the tenure of the SAC expires. Because it's anybody's guess what will happen to the political situation after another six months extension, we have to consider whether to increase military or political activities. In any case, political path will be given priority, I think. Because the military activities reached at peak, it's necessary to promote the political path, which everyone has considered. When the political path is given priority, if armed elements win their political goals through political means, battles might be suspended." said Col. Khun Okkar.

The SAC will have taken the State power for four years on 31st January 2025 after overthrowing the NLD government on 1st February 2021. 

The SAC has renewed  its tenure six times within four years. As the has repeatedly said that it will hold the election, the SAC might extend the state of emergency for another six months, said military and political analysts. 

There were widespread armed conflicts across the country in 2024 and the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command as well as over 90 townships.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with political parties

So, when the SAC renews for another six months, it might promote the military activities and hold the election, considered military and political analysts.

The SAC would renew for another six months and continue to do what it would have to, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), U Myo Kyaw told CNI News.

" I have known the SAC will renew its tenure. It will continue to do what it has to. The SAC has been doing what it wants to since 2021. The SAC hasn't held any constructive talks." he said.

On the one hand, as EAOs and revolutionary forces have announced that they would launch more battles in 2025, more and more military conflict could increase than 2024,  said some people.

After renewing its tenure, the SAC could announce in May, 2025 when the election will be held and the election could have been held. And then, there might be plans to hand over the State power to the winning party in April 2026, considered diplomatic circles.

CNI News

16 January 2025

The 7 EAO Alliance held a meeting and discussed there to make political dialogues arise and the meeting was held on 14th January 2025. 

The matters regarding the preparation to act in accordance with the political situation that may arise in 2025 and making political dialogues that contain all stakeholders arise were discussed in the meeting.

Moreover, the matters relating to the implementation of peace process and the promotion of the coordination and cooperation among EAOs as well as the expansion of the local political framework were discussed as well.

The 7 EAO Alliance is made up of seven NCA signatories - the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Lahu Democratic Union, the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Karen National Union/the Karen National Liberation Army- Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO).

CNI News

16 January 2025

Locals were worried that battles would break out in the Bagan region after the announcement by Nyaung U Township PDF that it would wage battles in the Bagan-Nyaung U region, Mandalay Region, which is a World Cultural Heritage Site, because they have to live on tourists, locals told CNI News.

Nyaung U PDF (Bagan Ogre Force) announced on 8th January 2025 that it would wage battles in the Bagan-Nyaung U region, Mandalay Region.

Locals have to be living on tourists who visit Bagan pagodas, they don't want that battles will take place in the Bagna-Nyaung U region, a local said CNI News.

" We, locals, have to live on tourists who visit the pagodas here. We don't want battles will take place in this region because it's an ancient heritage site. Shop owners and children here earn income only when tourists and pilgrims come here. There are almost no other businesses here. If any ancient heritage is damaged, the whole world will know it. It goes without saying that consequences will be very bad if battles break out here." he said.

It would carry out military operations so as not to damage ancient pagodas and cultural heritages and the main military targets would be attacked by well-trained fighters, said the Nyaung U PDF. 

The operation would be carried out in cooperation with the ally forces from Myingyan, Taungtha, Natogyi, Kyaukpadaung and Chauk Townships, said the PDF. 

If battles were waged, the pagodas and temples would be damaged and battles should not be waged there, pointed out Col. Khun Okkar, an EAO leader.

If battles were launched in the Bagan-Nyaung U region, ancient pagodas and all tourism services in the Bagan region could be affected, U Zwe Htet,a Bagan travel service operator told CNI News.

" If battles break out here in Bagan, it won't be convenient for us because we live on tourists. If battles break out, ancient pagodas can be affected because of fire arms or heavy weapons. All the tourism services could be affected. Lacquerware, hotel and E-bike rental businesses all will be affected." he said.

As soon as battles started, ancient pagodas could be totally damaged and irreplaceable losses could arise; both organizations should not wars that cause a lot of losses and should find an answer to make peace, pointed out tourism entrepreneurs. 

43 percent of Myanmar's population are experiencing conflicts due to armed conflicts and nearly 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2025, announced the UNOCHA.

CNI News

15 January 2025

Military and political analysts are considering differently regarding whether military conflicts will become more widespread in 2025. 

Some people have considered that military conflict could be more widespread in 2025 than in 2024, when military intensity peaked while others considered that if political demands can be met through political means, a change could occur in 2025, U Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, told CNI News.

" On the one hand, there are encouragements to hold political dialogues, but battles will be taking place fiercely, I think. They will get worse because they have presumed that it is the final battle." said U Than Soe Naing.

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

Revolutionary groups would speed up military activities in the plain region and its adjacent areas, said chairman of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) General Tar Aik Bong in his commemorative speech to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Ta'ang National Revolution Day that fell on 12th January 2025.

If a way was searched for political change such as election, battles might suspend for a while and if political needs were guaranteed through political means, a change could emerge, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" If The result emerges from the election that is free and fair or if the elected government could guarantee to meet the demand of the organizations fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, battles can decline for a while. Because of a war, everyone is in trouble. A political change will occur to take a rest, I think. Leaders who have the upper hand in the military have said military rhetoric. But political need is the main. Political need can be guaranteed by political means. If the political guarantee is won, a change can emerge." said Col. Khun Okkar.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and political parties

The current crisis was political. So, only if it was solved through political discussion, could the path of least harm be chosen for the people, spokesperson of the 7 EAOs Alliance, Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt told CNI News.

" If you believe that military activities can expand more in 2025, it's hard to say that you are absolutely wrong because the public has experienced over three years of efforts to change a system. There are different opinions which are unavoidable. War is also a continuation of politics. Political efforts failed, so we had to resort to military means. Military framework becomes wider while the political framework goes narrower." said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt.

Because neighboring countries want holding the election, they would not accept that battles would be taking place severely, considered military and political analysts.

The SAC has announced that it would meet and discuss politically and so have EAOs, but any discussion has not been seen except for the discussion between the MNDAA and the SAC.

CNI News

15 January 2025

Revolutionary organizations would speed up military activities in the plain region and adjacent areas in 2025, chairman of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) General Tar Aik Bong.

He said the above on the 62nd anniversary of the Ta'ang National Revolution Day on 12th January 2025.

"The united revolutionary organizations will further accelerate the revolution in the plain region and adjacent areas in 2025 and during the period when the battles are severely breaking out, the people should carefully abide by the safety measures laid down by revolutionary organizations and may the people be safe and see the fruits of the revolution's success." said General Tar Aik Bong.

While seeing the TNLA-controlled townships

The revolution is gaining momentum and revolutionary forces must continue to maintain unity and demolish the remaining pillars of the common enemy, he said.

The TNLA, the MNDAA and the AA were making preparations to launch military operations in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Regions by providing weapons, ammunition and military training courses to the Spring Revolution forces, said miliary and political analysts.

Leader of the AA Maj-Gen Tun Myat Naing had said that battles would reach the upcountry region in 2025. Revolutionary forces are speeding up military activities in the upcountry region - Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Regions and battles are often taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces.

While seeing the AA-controlled townships

In cooperation with Spring Revolution forces, the TNLA, the MNDAA and the AA waged Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 in northern Shan State and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

During the operation, they seized control of Namtu, Mong Ngor, Nansang, Mangtong, Kutkai, Namkham, Monglong, Chin Shwe Haw, Theinni, Pangsai, Phaungsai, Laukkai, and Kon Kyan Townships.

Second wave of Operation-1027 was started on 25th June 2024 and the TNLA, the AA and the MNDAA seized control of Kyaukme, Thibaw, Mogok, Momeik, Nawnghkio and Lashio Townships. And then, they are making preparations to launch the third wave of Operation-1027 in 2025.

Moreover, the AA has seized control of Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Gwa, Ranbre, Ann, Taung Goat, Minbya, Myebon, Pauktaw, Mrauk U and Thandwe in Rakhine State as well as Paletwa Township in Chin State.

CNI News

15 January 2025

Ta'ang nationalities must keep their weapons in their own hands, said chairman of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) General Tar Aik Bong. He said the above on the 62th Anniversary of the Ta'ang National Revolution Day.

" We, the Ta'ang people, are indigenous people and on the one hand, they must keep their weapons in their own hands to defend themselves. With the changing global political landscape, the TNLA is always ready and prepared to take part in the political discussion that will emerge through the engagement of neighboring countries. But, with the revolutionary people, the TNLA will continue to fight in cooperation with other revolutionary forces for the permanent end of the military dictatorship and the establishment of a new federal democratic country" said General Tar Aik Bong.

While showing TNLA-controlled areas (ISP Myanmar)

In order to overthrow the evil military dictatorship, all classes, all revolutionary forces and organizations fought with all their strength and intelligence in a united manner during 2024, he felt he saw the red glow of dawn of the revolution's success, he said.

Revolutionary groups must continue to work together and fulfill revolutionary responsibilities in 2025 more than in previous years to overthrow the already weak military dictatorship, General Tar Aik Bong.

EAOs needed to abandon their weapons and politically discuss; they could not demand what they wanted through armed means, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

While seeing chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Aung Hlaing

In collaboration with the MNDAA, the AA and Spring Revolution forces, the TNLA launched Operation-1027 on 27th October 2023 and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw. 

And then, the TNLA was able to seize control of Namtu, Mong Ngor, Nansang, Mangtong, Kutkai, Namkham, Mong Long Townships. and then, in the second wave of Operation-1027 that started on 25th June 2024, the TNLA captured Kyaukme, Thibaw, Mogok, Momeik and Nawnghkio Townships.

Under Chinese mediation, the TNLA was willing to meet and negotiate with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, announced the TNLA in December 2024. However, no meeting or discussion reportedly has taken place up to now.

CNI News

15 January 2025

The Tatmadaw was able to keep the country from falling apart through ages, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

 He said the above while he was meeting with officials, privates and their families in the Meiktila and Mandalay Cantonments of the Myanmar Tatmadaw 10th January 2025.

 " According to the geographical location of the state's existence, the Myanmar Tatmadaw consistently carried out its duties for the preservation of the country's union, national solidarity, and sovereignty." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw took the State power after overthrowing the NLD government because the NLD did not solve the vote list dispute in the 2020 general election.

And then, protests and objections emerged and they changed into revolution and armed elements are trying to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC.

Although there were only protests in the early days when the Myanmar Tatmadaw started taking the State power, later due to incitement from some ethnic armed groups and foreign countries, terrorist groups disturbed the peace and stability of the State in various ways. 

But the Myanmar Tatmadaw carried out the operation with restraint. Organizations and individuals from home and abroad who did not want the stability, peace, and development of the country are using various methods to create divisions between the military and the people, explained the SAC chairman.

The ultimate goal of the SAC was to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election and the SAC was doing its best to hold a free, fair and credible election, he said.

The election would be held in 2025 and the State power would be handed over to the winning party, said chairman of the SAC.

Battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago Regions, Kachin, Chin, Kayah, Karen, Rakhine and Mon States.

Due to the battles, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has lost control of several hundred military camps including the Northeast Command and the West Command and over 90 townships.

It is estimated that battles will spread to Ayeyarwady Region in 2025. Moreover, the rule of law is also weak in Yangon and Naypyidaw and thefts, robberies and murders are occurring.

CNI News

14 January 2025

There were projects carried out by the State to meet the electricity demand and businessmen could carry out the solar projects to meet their business needs as well, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

He said the above while he was meeting with the entrepreneurs of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Meiktila District on 10th January 2025. 

The entrepreneurs submitted to the NASC Chairman that they wanted the State to provide assistance in obtaining electricity through solar power systems, which is a requirement for their businesses.

 " We are encouraging the consumption of electricity from renewable energy to meet the electricity demand; because Meiktila is a low rainfall area, solar power generation and utilization can be successfully implemented; as there are projects carried out by the state, businessmen can carry out solar power projects to meet their business needs." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Because of terrorists' disruption of electricity distribution; inability of some power plants to operate at full capacity and insufficient gas at some power plants, it was difficult to meet the electricity demand, he said.

There were also objections to the implementation of hydroelectric projects by the state; so the SAC was encouraging solar energy systems that could be carried out as soon as possible and entrepreneurs needed to carry out solar energy projects as able as they can, said the chairman of the SAC.

Currently, there has been an increase in the power outages in Myanmar and in the daytime, there are four hour long power availability and four hour power outage and 16 hour long power outage altogether a day in Yangon Region, where manufacturing and trading activities are mainly carried out.

So, workshops, factories, and offices are becoming difficult to operate and the cost of living of the people is reportedly rising.

CNI News
12 January 2025

The chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) explained the matters relating to the election program to Belarusian FM H.E. Mr. Maksim Ryzhenkov when he met the Belarusian top diplomat in Naypyidaw on 9th January 2025. 

Moreover, they discussed the matters regarding the promotion of the defense cooperation and the last developments of Myanmar, reported the SAC.

The SAC reportedly explained the preparation for holding a free and fair general election. 

The chairman of the SAC said that the election would be held in 2025; the SAC would strive to create a dignified Hluttaw and the State power would be handed over to the winning party after the election had been held. 

However, he did not said exactly the time when the election would be held.

Those close to the SAC said that the SAC could announce in May or July, 2025 the time table when the election would be held and the transfer of power could be conducted in April, 2026.

At present, battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Tanintharyi Regions, Shan, Kachin, Chin, Mon, Kayah, Karen and Rakhine States.

Revolutionary forces have announced that they would launch operations in Ayeyarwady Region in 2025. 

The NUG and the PDFs trying to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Tatmadaw have announced that they will completely destroy the election that will be held by the SAC.