CNI News

3 December 2025

To achieve lasting peace in Myanmar, the public should protest through nonviolent means and make their demands known, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), speaking to CNI News.

Military and political analysts point out that in peace-building processes, there are many differing viewpoints, ideologies, and approaches being attempted.

In Myanmar, every time a new government comes to power, the people, policies, and institutions involved in the peace process also change. As a result, the political foundations built by previous governments lose credibility, leading to continued deadlocks.

Sai Htay Aung of the TNDP told CNI that if peace cannot be achieved through negotiations with armed groups, then the public must resort to peaceful protest:

Armed groups, government officials, and political parties in discussion

“If an organization refuses to pursue peace, then people should protest against it.The government must have genuine goodwill.The desire for peace must come from within their hearts.There are many people who say they want peace, but in reality they don’t want it. Why? Because the longer peace is absent, the more freedom they have to conduct business.They are acting like warlords.If peace is achieved, they will have to live under the law — many groups don’t want that.So the public needs to be united.To overcome these challenges, people must protest peacefully against these armed groups.”

Analysts also note that peace cannot be achieved without considering the root causes of conflict — historical grievances, ideological disputes, and political beliefs.

Sai Htay Aung further said that in order to achieve lasting peace in Myanmar, the issue must be addressed through social and economic means:

Public protesting to demand an end to the fighting

“I believe peace will have to be achieved through the people.Our peace process started back in 1989.From 1989 onward, armed groups made peace.At that time, the government told them: first take peace, and then you can do business.When a new government later discussed political matters with them, armed groups began operating businesses openly.Town and rural areas became interconnected, and they were given mineral concessions and special zones.So people came to believe that only those with arms could succeed — armed groups received privileges, while ordinary people did not.Because of that, many people tried to take up arms.They bought weapons and recruited members.This is why the country's biggest problem today stems from the peace process itself.To achieve lasting peace, we must address it through social and economic reforms.”

Military and political analysts also note that ideas such as establishing a single national army, officially recognizing ethnic armed groups, or granting them autonomous territories are approaches based on a “security perspective,” and cannot be implemented in a short time.

Currently, heavy clashes continue between the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) and armed groups across the country, and peace efforts remain stalled.

CNI News

3 December 2025

Because the public is still not alert or engaged regarding the upcoming multi-party democratic general election, the Mon Unity Party (MUP) is facing difficulties in conducting its election campaign, according to the party’s spokesperson, Naing Than Shwe, who spoke to CNI News.

He said:“It’s election campaign season now. We are also going out to campaign. But we can’t gather large crowds of people. The public is not very aware or energized yet. So our party members go around in small groups of one or two, gather around 30 people at a time, explain the voting system, and show them how to cast their votes.We also explain what rights they will lose if they do not vote.There are difficulties.In Mon State, especially, many people work in rubber plantations.Because of that, they wake up very early—around midnight—then go to work.During the hot season, rubber tapping starts even earlier, so they don’t have time to attend our events.”

Currently in Mon State, the parties preparing to contest the election include the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), People’s Party (PP), Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), the National Unity Party (TaSaNya), the Myanmar Farmers Development Party, the Mon Unity Party (MUP), and the Pa-O National Development Party.

Members of the Mon armed group, New Mon State Party (NMSP)

Under the present political situation in Myanmar, where armed conflicts are widespread and escalating, ethnic political parties are reportedly facing more difficulties than major mainland parties during the campaign period.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated during his visit to Maubin, Ayeyarwady Region, on November 23 that whether people choose to vote or not is entirely their own decision.

Naing Than Shwe of the Mon Unity Party also told CNI:“Especially for small parties, it is a struggle.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and members of the NMSP

It’s not that they are weak, but for this election, what we want to tell the voters is simply: please go and vote.Choose whoever you like.You can vote for whomever you prefer.This is the right of the voters.We just want to urge them not to lose this right.”

It is also learned that the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Mon armed group, is not exerting pressure on political parties contesting the upcoming election nor on Mon voters.

The election will be held in three phases—on December 28, 2025; January 11, 2026; and in the final week of January 2026. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has stated that the government formed as a result of the election will receive a transfer of state power.

CNI News

3 December 2025

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a figure who should rightfully be involved in discussions and negotiations aimed at resolving Myanmar’s ongoing national crises and armed conflicts, said Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, speaking to CNI News.

He said that when addressing political issues and working to overcome the country’s challenges, the future of Myanmar can only be shaped through coordinated negotiations among all groups that ought to participate in such efforts.

He stated:“With Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, it’s difficult for me to say exactly how the situation in our country might change.But when we are trying to overcome the political and national crises we face, all individuals and organizations that must be part of the solution should necessarily be involved.Only through cooperation, negotiation, and consensus among all these essential stakeholders can we shape the future of our country.
Anyone—individuals or organizations—who has committed to addressing the nationwide crisis from a broader perspective should also include DASSK as a key stakeholder.”

Former KNU Chairman Mutu Say Poe, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Meanwhile, whether or not the government releases Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should only be considered based on the situation after the election, said Colonel Khun Oakkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO–NCA/S).

He stated:“From what I see, I don’t think they will release DASSK before the election.

They will consider it only depending on the situation that arises after the election.

If they release her before the vote, everything will become chaotic.If the post-election environment is more relaxed and brings positive change, then a new approach could emerge — one that more people might be able to accept.But if nothing changes after the election and the same people remain in control, then stability will be difficult.In any case, no one can say for sure whether she will be released or not.Even after the election, if they don’t want to release her, they won’t.If they do release her, it will most likely be after the election.”

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) removed the National League for Democracy (NLD) government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming unresolved issues regarding alleged irregularities in the 2020 general election.

Following the coup, the military detained Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint, and other senior officials.

Armed conflict subsequently escalated between the military and resistance groups, and the country has since faced severe political, economic, social, health, and education crises.

CNI News

3 December 2025

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has accumulated weapons debt amounting to more than one billion US dollars, according to its General Secretary, Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw, who wrote on his Facebook page on the night of December 1, 2025.

In June 2025, during Operation 1027, the TNLA captured Mogok City from the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw).

Later, on November 29, 2025, under China’s mediation, the group handed Mogok back to the Myanmar military — a move that drew criticism.

In response to that criticism, Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw posted under the title “The Mogok Tiga.”

Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw wrote: “Since thousands of years ago, the Ta’ang people have lived in Mogok (Mogu—‘the shining ruby’). We have always intended for Mogok to return to the hands of the Ta’ang people. But now, it feels like receiving a piece of cake only to have it knocked out of your hands before you can eat it. It is heartbreaking.

But I believe those who continue to strive will eventually see results. To those who said that we are betrays, I want them to reassess the revolution carefully and hold on to the true realities.”

He continued: “The Spring Revolution was supported with the best resources we had, accumulated over more than 10 years. We fed, trained, and built up the fighters who raised the three-finger salute.Within 3–4 years, we provided manpower in the thousands.Now we are burdened with weapons debt exceeding a billion US dollars.”

The TNLA did not specify to which armed organization it owes this large weapons debt.
However, other armed groups say that the TNLA’s weapons debt is owed to the UWSA (United Wa State Army).

Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw further stated that:“We threw ourselves headfirst at the wall of dictatorship.Our foreheads were blood-red and we nearly died.When the Bamar called D Day, we could not join them, but we tried to keep up with our momentum.When we actually carried out Operation 1027, no real D-Day came from them.In the end, we were left alone, and even our own relatives in the villages suffered airstrikes.”

He continued:“Our hearts ache.We have no ammunition, no budget, and there is in the decrease of people to die.So we had to give up Mogok and Momauk and agree to a ceasefire.The struggle is not over yet, but the insults are overwhelming.Oh dear… Those whom we fed and raised into capable people — I want to see whether they can retake Mogok.Lash out at us after taking a rest and fight against the military dictator after taking a rest.For revolutionaries, our doors remain open.If needed, come and take shelter.”

The TNLA launched Operation 1027 jointly with allied forces on October 27, 2023, and began the second phase in June 2024.

Although the group captured 12 townships, from June 2025 onward the Myanmar military gradually regained control over Naungcho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok, Momauk, and other areas.

CNI News

2 December 2025

The Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) is presenting four key points to the public and is mobilizing people based on these four points, said TNDP Chairman Sai Htay Aung in an interview with CNI News.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has warned political parties to comply with election laws and regulations during public gatherings, speeches, and campaign activities.

The upcoming multi-party general elections will begin on December 28, and during the 60-day campaign period, candidates may put up party signboards in their respective constituencies and distribute pamphlets as part of their campaign activities.

TNDP Chairman Sai Htay Aung said they are explaining to the public what kind of future would be best for Myanmar and are mobilizing support based on that vision.

TNDP party delivering a public mobilization speech

He said: “We first explain to the people what type of future system would be best for the country, and then we mobilize. Peace is the most important thing for the people of Myanmar.
When there is no peace, people suffer like this. When the wars stop, peace will come, and with peace, development will be possible.So our Point No. 1 is peace.Point No. 2 concerns our Shanni (Tai Leng) ethnic group.Even though we have strong historical evidence, our ethnic identity has been divided into many subgroups — so we talk about the issue of ethnic identity.Point No. 3 concerns our farmers.We address how to improve the livelihoods of farmers in Myanmar.

And Point No. 4 is constitutional amendment.These are our four main points for mobilization.

These four points are also our four areas of work that we present to the public.As for how other parties mobilize, I have only heard about it.”

The UEC announced on October 15 that campaign activities for the general elections starting December 28 may take place within the 60-day period from 6 a.m. on October 28 to midnight on December 26.

TNDP Chairman Sai Htay Aung also said that people in Kachin State are suffering heavily from high commodity prices and have reported many complaints.

TNDP party delivering a public mobilization speech

He said:“There are many complaints.In our region, Kachin State, people are suffering greatly from the high prices.This is also because peace has not been achieved, and many checkpoints have been set up for inspections, which increases costs and results in high prices.If peace is achieved and the checkpoints disappear, prices would not be this high.Now the prices between Mandalay and Myitkyina differ threefold.So when we talk about peace as our main point, it is also because people have raised these issues.I also have to explain this in return.As for national development, it can only happen once peace is achieved.Therefore, our top priority is peace.”

In Myanmar, Phase (1) of the general elections will be held on December 28, 2025, followed by Phase (2) on January 11, 2026.

Phase (3) will be held in late January 2026, according to the National Defense and Security Council’s Information Team Chief, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, on November 10.

CNI News

2 December 2025

Education staff serving in Banmauk Township, in the northern part of Sagaing Region, have not received their salaries and have been forced to borrow money from local business owners to cover their daily living expenses, according to sources.

A total of 338 education staff in Banmauk Township have not been paid and collectively borrowed 240 million kyats from local business owners.

It is learned from the staff that the borrowed amount is being distributed among the 338 currently serving staff by the Banmauk Township Deputy Township Education Officer and the Education Liaison Officers.

Regarding the unpaid salaries of staff in Banmauk Township and their need to borrow money from local business owners, staff members said that Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) Brigade 614 helped them coordinate access to the loans.

CNI contacted the Ministry of Education and the Sagaing Region Government regarding the situation of the 338 unpaid education staff and their borrowing of money from business owners in Banmauk, but as of today, no response has been received.

Education staff in Banmauk Township

Banmauk Town, including its southern, northern, and eastern areas, is currently controlled by a joint force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), People’s Defence Forces (PDF), and Kadu armed groups.

KIA–PDF–Kadu joint forces launched an offensive attack on Banmauk on September 15, 2025, captured it on September 20, and have maintained control up to the present.

The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) has been trying for more than two months to retake Banmauk but has been unsuccessful. The commander of the Northwestern Command, Maj-Gen Myo Min Htwe, has also been removed from his position.

CNI News

2 December 2025

As the United Wa State Army (UWSA/“Wa” group) is no longer supplying weapons, People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) are shifting their supply route and establishing links with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to military and political analysts who spoke to CNI News.

Previously, PDFs operating in eastern Myanmar were connected through the TNLA, receiving weapons from the “Wa” group. However, since the Wa group is no longer providing arms—and the TNLA has also entered a ceasefire with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw)—PDF and allied forces are now required to withdraw from Mogok and Momeik.

Regarding the withdrawal from Mogok and Momeik, tensions have reportedly risen between the TNLA and the PDFs. While PDFs are now establishing links with the KIA, this makes the withdrawal process more complicated, said political analyst Saing Mein, speaking to CNI News.

He said:“If the PDF and TNLA do not have clear discussions, clear understanding, and fair negotiations, it won’t be smooth—just like when MNDAA handed Lashio over to the Myanmar military.Also, before TNLA captured Momeik, KIA had already entered and controlled it for more than two weeks.Since Momeik is adjacent to the territories the KIA has controlled, unless pressure is placed on the KIA, and unless KIA decides on a ceasefire like TNLA, things won’t easily settle.Previously in the east, PDFs connected through TNLA. But now the Wa group has announced it will no longer supply weapons to other armed groups and even executed people involved in transporting weaponry.With this situation, PDFs are rerouting and connecting with the strong KIA forces in northern Myanmar. So it’s unlikely that this issue will be resolved easily.”

Lt-Gen Gun Maw with other armed groups

KIA has expanded its strength and operations across northern Shan State, Kachin State, and into Sagaing Region, standing as one of the most powerful ethnic armed organizations.

KIA is also one of the armed groups in Myanmar capable of producing its own ammunition, and it remains a militarily strong organization.

Following the political changes caused by the February 1, 2021 military coup that ousted the NLD government, the KIA was able to further expand its military capacity and widen its controlled territories.

Since the political crisis of 2021, KIA has been providing military training, weapons, ammunition, joint operations, and the sale of ammunition to PDFs and local defense forces (LDFs) in Sagaing Region.

According to Col. Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO–NCA/S), the KIA is currently cooperating with revolutionary forces based on political needs, but in the future—like the MNDAA and TNLA—it may take different actions if its political situation requires it.

Chin Brotherhood delegation meeting with Lt-Gen Gun Maw

He said:“PDFs need weapons, ammunition, and logistics. If they cannot obtain them elsewhere, they will turn to the KIA, which already has arms factories and can produce weapons and fuel.This means connecting with the KIO can also be for supply routes.

If someday the KIA needs a political settlement, it could change its stance.The KIA is not participating in talks yet. With fighting on the ground, PDFs will naturally try to benefit from the KIA.But if a political solution emerges later, the KIA will consider its own interests regarding the PDFs.For now, they are cooperating out of current needs. If those needs change, the situation may resemble Kokang or Palaung (TNLA). It likely won’t be very different.”

The KIA has been coordinating with PDFs, KNA-Burma (Kuki), Naga armed groups such as ENDA/ENNO and NPDF, ABSDF, AA, and CNDF to strengthen control over multiple areas in Sagaing Region, including Hkamti, Banmauk, Tigyaing, Tamu, Hkam Pat, Phaung Byin, Shwe Pyi Aye, Mawlike, Katha, Kawlin, Pinlebu, and Indaw, as well as across Naga territories.

Furthermore, in August, representatives of Chin organizations—including the Chin National Council (Mindtat), Chin National Front (CNO/CNDF), Zomi Federal Union (ZFU), Chin Defense Force (Kanpetlet), Chinland Defense Force (Matupi Brigade 1), and Mara Territory Council (MTC/MDF)—visited Laiza at the invitation of KIA Vice Chairman Lt-Gen Gun Maw.

CNI News

2 December 2025

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which had attacked and captured Mogok in Mandalay Region, said that it had “no words to apologize” to the public regarding its withdrawal and the handover of the town back into the hands of the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw). 

This was stated by TNLA General Secretary Major General Tar Bone Kyaw in a written announcement.

On December 1, 2025, Maj-Gen Tar Bone Kyaw released a poem titled “The Northern Cool Breeze”, in which he expressed this sentiment.

TNLA and allied PDF forces captured Mogok from the Myanmar military in June 2024.

Afterwards, through China’s mediation, the Myanmar military and TNLA held nine rounds of talks in Kunming, China throughout 2025, and both sides agreed that TNLA forces would withdraw from Mogok and Momeik.

Tar Bone Kyaw’s written statement.

According to this agreement, TNLA ensured full security and escorted the Myanmar military back into Mogok on November 29, 2025, officially handing the town over.

As a result, the PDFs that had cooperated with TNLA in the offensive also had to withdraw from Mogok and Moemeik, and they were cautioned not to continue launching attacks.

CNI News
29 November 2025

The new government that emerges after the election needs to be flexible, gentle, and decisive, said Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), to CNI News.

In Myanmar, the 2025 general election will be held in three phases: Phase (1) on December 28, 2025,Phase (2) on January 11, 2026, and Phase (3) in the last week of January 2026.

After these elections, state power will be transferred to the winning party, and the military will take responsibility only for national defense, according to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission.

The public hopes that the new government formed after the election will work for the benefit of the nation. Sai Htay Aung stated that this upcoming civilian government must be flexible, gentle, and decisive.

He said:“People can have high expectations for the new government. Why? Because the government will be responsible for making things much better than the current situation.This new government will be formed by the people’s vote. So, it must dutifully serve the responsibilities entrusted by the people, with love and devotion for the country and the public.But there will be major responsibilities ahead. There will be a lot of reconstruction to do — both physical reconstruction and mental reconstruction.For that, the government must be flexible and gentle, but also decisive. When it decides to carry out something, it must follow through. It must have the courage to make firm decisions by considering the faces of the country and the people. Only then will this new government be able to bring stability and peace and build development.”

 Political parties meeting

Political observers warn that if the civilian government emerging after the election cannot exert authority over the administrative mechanism, the country may once again have to rely on the military.

Sai Htay Aung added that although the new government will face difficulties, he does not believe it will encounter challenges worse than the current crisis.

He said:“I don’t think the new government will face a situation worse than now. Why? Because on one side, the NUG has already fractured.And the PDFs, who were committed to changing the country through armed struggle, have been disappointed. Since they are discouraged, I don’t think the new government will have to face more difficult challenges than the present.”

 Political party leaders at a meeting

However, Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7 EAO Alliance, said it will be extremely difficult for the public to place high expectations on the new government.

He said:“It will be very difficult to have high expectations on the government that will emerge after the election.Why? Because this election is being held in an abnormal political situation that our country has never experienced before.So whatever emerges from this will not immediately lead to the peace, democracy, and federalism that the people long for. However, through international cooperation and pressure, or through new pathways that open up even in difficult circumstances, some level of hope may still arise.”

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also said that the upcoming election will bring a turning point for the country, and that people must elect those who safeguard Our Three Main National Causes.