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.

CNI News

26 September 2025

If some form of settlement is reached between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the China-India connectivity route will be beneficial for Myanmar, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.

Following Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to China, officials from the Union Government and the Tatmadaw have been observed meeting more frequently with Chinese and Indian authorities. These meetings were mainly related to the China-India connectivity route, in which Kachin State plays a crucial role, according to Colonel Khun Okkar.

He stated: “The main link for China and India is through Kachin. Regarding that route, the Chairman of the Military Commission is also directly involved. Since the road passes through Kachin State, the Kachin side wants to assert its authority and influence over its territory. At this stage, if some kind of ceasefire agreement between the KIO/KIA and the Military Commission, or cooperation based on amendments and additions to the NCA drafted by KIO leaders, can be reached, then the China-India connectivity route will be beneficial for our country.”

KIA troops

On September 16, 2025, Myanmar Prime Minister U Nyo Saw met Chinese Vice President Han Qian in Nanning, China. Likewise, on September 10, 2025, Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo, Commander of the Bureau of Special Operations-1 of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi. 

On September 12, a five-member delegation led by Lt. Gen. Ko Ko Oo also visited the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters, where they met Eastern Command Commander Lt. Gen. R.C. Tiwari and other senior officials.

During the Senior General’s trip to China, discussions included the renovation of the Ledo Road, the possible resumption of the Myitsone Dam project, the reopening of China-Myanmar border trade, cooperation on India-Myanmar mineral extraction, security matters, and strengthening bilateral relations.

The Ledo Road connects China and India through Myanmar, with Kachin State being central to the route. If this route becomes viable, Myitkyina could emerge as a strategic hub, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), in an interview with CNI News.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Modi

He stated: “That would be a good sign for the development of Myanmar. For the progress of the nation, it would be better if there were no armed groups opposing the state. That’s my view. But given the current situation, if the government talks with the KIA, instead of focusing on resource sharing and power sharing, they should first prioritize stable peace and then move toward development in Kachin State. If the development of the state is emphasized and KIA rejects it, the people will oppose them because the public strongly desires progress. Right now, ordinary people are the ones suffering the most in the war. They are eager to escape hardship. So instead of negotiating over resources and natural wealth, it would be better to first establish peace and then present development plans to discuss and cooperate on.”

During his China trip, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vice President Han Qian, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kazakh President, and other international leaders.

CNI News

26 September 2025

As Myanmar is an agriculture-based country, efforts must be made to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) widely in the agricultural sector, said Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He made the remarks during his keynote speech at the science workshop titled “Youth and the Future of Myanmar – Science and Technology”, held in Moscow, Russia, on September 25, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated, “In Myanmar, we must also strive to apply AI in the fields of education, healthcare, and transportation. Since our country is an agriculture-based nation, AI technology must be extensively applied in the agricultural sector.”

He added that Myanmar must work to utilize AI effectively, establish a strong AI ecosystem, and nurture a qualified human resource pool. Through the development and application of AI technology, Myanmar should advance its national development as well as its socio-economic progress.

On the subject of nuclear energy, he said Myanmar must strive to develop nuclear technology and make peaceful use of nuclear power. 
Since nuclear and radiation technologies can be applied not only in the energy sector but also in healthcare, agriculture, livestock, industry, and environmental conservation, Myanmar will need skilled human resources to establish a nuclear infrastructure base.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Russia on September 24, 2025, marking his fourth visit to the country.

His first visit was in September 2022 when he attended the 7th Far Eastern Economic Forum in Russia and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 7. His second visit was on March 4, 2025, when he met President Putin in Moscow. 

Likewise, his third visit took place in May 2025, during which he again held talks with President Putin.

CNI News

26 September 2025

Neighboring countries may pressure ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to attend the 10th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), said Dr. Aye Maung, chair of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), speaking to CNI News.

According to him, members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC)—such as the ULA/AA, UWSA, MNDAA, and TNLA—along with the KNU, could attend the event. He noted that relevant neighboring countries like China, India, and Thailand may exert pressure to ensure their attendance.

“At the talks, the seven FPNCC groups could participate. China can push them to attend. India can pressure EAOs along its border. Thailand can also pressure EAOs based on its border. Originally, 10 groups signed the NCA, but over time that number fell to five. Now the NSPNC is planning to hold a large-scale ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the NCA. I believe it will be successful. From there, discussions could yield some results, providing a direction for the country’s future. Leaders of armed groups may also provide answers. Among the FPNCC, ULA/AA’s deputy leader Dr. Nyo Tun Aung may come. The Wa (UWSA), Kokang (MNDAA), Mong La, and TNLA could also attend. We’ll see who will come to the 10th anniversary ceremony.”, said Dr. Aye Maung.

Leaders of UWSA and MNDAA

The NCA will reach its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2025. Analysts say this anniversary will be marked with more grandeur than in previous years, and that ethnic armed group leaders who took part in the drafting of the NCA will be invited. Top leaders from neighboring countries may also be invited, making the ceremony potentially a boost for Myanmar to break out of its negative cycle, said Dr. Aye Maung.

“The 10th anniversary could be huge. International leaders can be invited. Even the UN Secretary-General António Guterres could be invited. The Indian Prime Minister could be invited. Chinese President Xi Jinping could be invited, or if not him, Wang Yi could attend. Chinese negotiators like Deng Xijun, or India’s national security advisers, could also come. ASEAN leaders may also be invited. This anniversary could give Myanmar momentum to escape its current downward spiral.”, he added.

Former KNU leader Mutu Say Poe with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Back in August 2011, under President Thein Sein’s government, a ceasefire offer was extended, and talks were held with 21 ethnic armed groups. In 2011–2012, bilateral state- and Union-level ceasefire agreements were signed with 14 groups. Formal negotiations on the NCA began in 2013, and a draft was reached in August 2015.

On October 15, 2015, the KNU, RCSS, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, PNLO, CNF, and ABSDF signed the NCA, followed in February 2018 by the NMSP and LDU. Together, these 10 signatories formed the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) and engaged in negotiations for many years.

However, after 2021, internal disagreements arose. The KNU, CNF, and ABSDF declared the NCA void and decided to take up arms against the military, continuing clashes up to the present.

CNI News

26 September 2025

The relaxation of candidate requirements—allowing Union-level parties in Myanmar to submit candidate lists for only one-fourth of constituencies instead of half—is a good measure, said Sai Aik Pao, chair of the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

On September 21, 2025, under an order by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the rule was amended so that political parties contesting nationwide are required to field candidates in only one-fourth of the total constituencies.

“Reducing the number of candidates required is a good step. Why? Because now all the other parties can compete. Previously, only six parties remained eligible to contest nationwide. That’s good. Our party planned to field over 600 candidates in 418 constituencies. But with this relaxation, everyone can participate. That’s a good thing,” he told CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing casting his vote

Union-level political parties will therefore no longer need to submit 417 candidates—half of the total 833 constituencies across 330 townships. Instead, if they can field candidates in one-fourth of the constituencies, they will be allowed to contest the election and will also be spared from the risk of deregistration.

Previously, the law stipulated that if a union-level party could not field 417 candidates or contest in at least 417 constituencies, it would be deregistered.

Sai Aik Pao with political party leaders

The easing of candidate requirements will have a significant impact on political parties, said SNDP chair Sai Aik Pao.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that Phase (1) of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.

In the upcoming general election beginning December 28, elections will be held in a total of 712 constituencies across the three legislatures.

CNI News

26 September 2025

Although it had been stipulated that parties competing nationwide in the election must field at least 417 candidates—half of all constituencies—it has now been amended to allow participation if parties can field only one-fourth of the constituencies.

According to Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, chair of the Yangon Watch Group, this change may have been made out of concern that political parties would face difficulties.

Because of this amendment, political parties running at the Union level will no longer be required to field 417 candidates out of 833 constituencies across 330 townships. Instead, they will be allowed to contest if they can put forward candidates for just one-fourth of the constituencies, meaning they will be spared from the risk of party deregistration.

Previously, the law prescribed that if a political party could not field 417 candidates—or could not contest in at least 417 constituencies out of 833—it would be deregistered.

Union-level political parties

Currently, the Union Election Commission (UEC) has registered six political parties to contest nationwide and 51 parties to contest only within a single state or region.

Because Union-level parties could have faced serious difficulties, the UEC may have relaxed the rule, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin told CNI News.

“Since political parties are facing difficulties, they want to ensure all six Union parties can participate at the Union level, and they are also worried other parties would face trouble, so they relaxed the rule. Only then will the parties be able to function properly. But if such a statement had been announced earlier, it would have been better. Now it’s a bit late. If they had issued this announcement earlier, there would have been more Union-level parties. Now the number of parties contesting at the Union level is quite small. That means the parliament will lack diversity. Especially, many military-appointed representatives could enter parliament.”, she said.

Originally, Article 12 (a) (i) of the Political Parties Registration Law prescribed that if a Union-level political party could not contest at least half of the constituencies in the general election—including seats for the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and state/region Hluttaws (including national races Hluttaw representative constituencies)—it would lose the right to continue as a registered political party.

Meeting between UEC and political parties

Given the current situation, where it is not easy for parties to contest in more than half of the constituencies, other parties also raised concerns, which may have prompted this amendment, said U Myo Set Swe, former General Secretary of the National Democratic Force (NDF).

“U Ko Ko Gyi pointed out that in the current circumstances, it’s very difficult for parties to contest more than half the constituencies. For example, it might work in a PR system, but in FPTP it’s much harder. Because of these conditions, U Ko Ko Gyi submitted a letter to the government highlighting the difficulties. Other parties also raised similar points, so the government made this change. But since the amendment came only close to the election, it doesn’t really have much effect. Without the amendment, some parties would fail to meet the candidate threshold and face deregistration. That would cause serious difficulties for genuine multi-party democracy. So that’s why they made the change.”, he said.

The UEC has announced that Phase (1) of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.

In the upcoming general election beginning on December 28, polls will be held for a total of 712 constituencies across the three legislatures.

CNI News

26 September 2025

Despite the Myanmar Tatmadaw having lost control over much of Rakhine State, elections may still be possible in 7 townships, said Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), in an interview with CNI News.

Out of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) currently controls 14, while the Myanmar Tatmadaw holds Sittwe, Manaung, and Kyaukphyu townships.

On September 14, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that elections would not be held in 56 townships across eight states and regions. However, the list of non-election areas did not include AA-controlled Ann, Thandwe, Taungup, and Gwa.

According to military sources, these townships were excluded in non-election areas because the military believes there is sufficient security to hold elections there. As a result, Dr. Aye Maung said it appears likely that elections will be conducted in 7 townships of Rakhine State.

A junction in Rakhine State

“Among the 102 townships scheduled for the first phase of elections in December, Ann, Thandwe, Taungup, and Gwa—currently under AA control—are included. This means the regional military commanders must regain control of those areas before October 31. From this situation, it looks like elections will indeed be held in 7 townships of Rakhine State.”, he said.

Townships where elections will not take place in Rakhine State include AA-controlled Ranbye, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, and Paletwa.

Since the National Defense and Security Council has declared only 56 townships nationwide as areas where elections cannot be held, political analysts note that 7 townships in Rakhine are now considered possible election areas.

AA forces

Dr. Aye Maung added that the military has set October 31 as the deadline for regional commanders to make preparations to ensure elections can be held:

“The initial announcement excluded 63 townships from elections, but that number was later reduced to 56. The National Defense and Security Council has entrusted the Commander-in-Chief with ensuring stability and enabling elections. He then delegated responsibilities to regional commanders with instructions to create conditions for elections within 90 days. This means the 7 townships must be prepared for elections by October 31. But heavy clashes are ongoing along the Ann–Toungup road.”

Currently, six political parties are expected to contest in Rakhine State in the first phase of elections on December 28. These include the Arakan Front Party (led by Dr. Aye Maung), the Arakan National Party (led by U Ba Shein), the Rakhine State National Force Party, the Khami National Development Party, the Mro Ethnic Party, and the Mro Ethnic Development Party.

CNI News

25 September 2025

A total of 4,963 candidates from 57 political parties and independents will contest in Myanmar’s upcoming election, according to an announcement by the Union Election Commission (UEC) on September 23, 2025.

The submission of candidate lists took place between September 8 and 22, 2025, at respective sub-commissions.

Among the political parties submitting candidate lists are 6 parties contesting nationwide and 51 parties contesting within individual states and regions, along with independent candidates.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) submitted 1,018 candidates; the National Unity Party, 694 candidates; the People’s Pioneer Party, 672 candidates; the Myanmar Farmers Development Party, 428 candidates; the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party, 584 candidates; and the People’s Party, 512 candidates.

In addition, the 51 state and regional parties collectively fielded 960 candidates, while independents submitted 95 candidates.

The UEC stated that the scrutiny of candidate lists would be carried out by sub-commissions between September 23 and October 4, 2025.

The first phase of the election will be held in 102 townships on December 28, 2025, while the remaining constituencies will go to the polls in January 2026.

CNI News

25 September 2025

Banmauk town in the northern part of Sagaing Region is currently being commented by military and political analysts regarding its importance for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The coalition forces led by the KIA launched an assault on Banmauk town on September 15, 2025, at a time when they were suffering military setbacks in Bhamo, and succeeded in capturing it on September 20.

After Banmauk was seized by the joint forces of KIA, PDF, and Kadu groups, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes on September 21.

According to Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo, if the KIA can hold Banmauk, it will be strategically convenient for transporting supplies, troops, and weapons throughout the northern Sagaing Region.

SNA troops

He told CNI News: “In Bhamo, the KIA is already losing. To compensate for that defeat and save face, they captured Banmauk. But Banmauk is in a Shanni area—there are no Kachins there, only Shanni and Burmans. It’s located at the head of the Mu River valley. Controlling Banmauk gives the KIA a foothold to move men, weapons, and supplies across the northern Sagaing Region. Because of its location, the KIA will try to hold it. But in the long run, the Myanmar Tatmadaw will likely gain the upper hand.”

Previously, security in Banmauk Township had been handled by the Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) Brigade 614, while the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s 77th Division was responsible for the town itself.

At present, the SNA is stationed on the western side of Banmauk, preparing for further battles as well as a counteroffensive to recapture the town.

PDFs spotted at Banmauk entrance

Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that the Shanni forces lost Banmauk because reinforcements could not arrive in time:

“When the KIA attacked with overwhelming force, the forces defending Banmauk were insufficient, and reinforcements couldn’t come. That’s why the Shanni had to abandon the town. The KIA captured it to prevent large Myanmar Tatmadaw columns from entering their territory, because Banmauk is a gateway into KIA areas—it’s the edge of Sagaing Region that leads into their controlled zones. That’s why the KIA is determined to hold it. Bhamo, on the other hand, is being attacked for their dignity, I think.”, he said.

There is speculation that the KIA may continue its offensive against Htigyaing and Kawlin towns. Observers also note that it remains to be seen how long the KIA can actually hold Banmauk, and that by targeting Shanni territories, the KIA may also be attempting to cut off SNA strength.

Currently, the KIA is simultaneously launching town-seizing operations in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, while at the same time signaling openness to negotiations and peace talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw.