CNI News
16 February 2025

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) has been restructured, reported the State Administration Council (SAC) on 14th February 2025.

Lieutenant General Ya Pyae (Minister of Border Affairs) will serve as the chairman of the NSPNC that has been reorganized and Lt-Gen Min Naing as secretary of the committee.

Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw (Deputy Minister for Home Affairs), Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe (police chief), a colonel from the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, Col. Wunna Aung (JMC), U Hla Maung Shwe, Lt-Gen Win Bo Shein (Retired), chairman of the Myanmar Veterans Association Lt-Gen Sein Win (Retired), Lt-Gen Myo Thant Naing,  Union Minister for Immigration and Manpower U Myint Kyaing and Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi will serve as members.

The NSPNC is the committee responsible for Myanmar's peace negotiations and it implements the tasks set by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee (NSPCC).

At present, the NSPNC is discussing with the EAOs that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) so that peace processes can be implemented.

CNI News

15 February 2025

There are opinions among military and political observers whether the country's situation can be maintained by amending the 2008 constitution. 

Although there were discussions regarding the amendment of the 2008 constitution since under the former civilian government, they were not successful.

In the amendment of the 2008 constitution, if negotiations regarding the EAOs' territories were able to be conducted, a change could arise, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

While the NSPNC and political parties were discussing

" If the election has been held already, a government will arise. The meetings of Hluttaw will be held again. After that, amendment will emerged. But in the former peace conferences, division of budget and self-administrations were included. Regarding them, negotiations were able to be conducted, a change can arise." he said.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw had agreed to amend the 2008 constitution and the amendments would be conducted in the Hluttaws, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing on 13th February 2024.

According to the 2008 constitution, although Regions and States were allowed to impose laws in the sectors that had been permitted, because they didn't carry out after imposing the laws, there were difficulties in some places, he said.

While the NSPNC and the political parties group

However, the country's situation could not be maintained by simply amending the 2008 constitution, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process told CNI News.

" They are working on amendment of the 2008 constitution at the moment. But the country's situation cannot be maintained at all by simply amending the 2008 constitution. On the other hand, some people think that those who will come to power won't immediately change things the SAC did." he said.

The National Solidarity and Peacekeeping Negotiation Committee met with the Working Group of political parties in June 2024 and they discussed points that they supposed should be amended from the Constitution.

The points that should amend the 2008 constitution and general discussions regarding the establishment of the Union based on federalism and democracy were discussed and negotiated, reported the SAC.

The chairman of the People's Party (PP) U Ko Ko Gyi has told the media more than 40 amendments to the 2008 Constitution have been agreed upon.

CNI News

15 February 2025

There are questions among military and political analysts whether a general election could be held in 2025. 

If the election was held, because the chairman of the State Administration Council must give up some positions that he has held, he would be reluctant to do so, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy U Sai Leik told CNI News.

" In fact, it's a very risky matter for the SAC chairman. He has held at least four top positions. He'll have to give up many of the positions after the election. Whether he can truly accept such a situation will be up to him to decide. If he is not clear in his mind, he will continue to hesitate to hold elections. Although he says that efforts must continue to be made to bring stability to the regions and territories, there are still few areas of peace and stability. Moreover, he doesn't say exactly when the election will be held." said U Sai Leik.

While seeing the SAC Chairman

The SAC Chairman has promised the local and international community that he will hold the election.

However, he has not said exactly the date when the election will be held. the 78th anniversary of the Union Day commemoration speech and the Electronic Voting Machine System will be used in the election to ensure accuracy and prevent ballot fraud, said chairman of the SAC.

According to the current political situation, because the SAC has to depend on China, the SAC will hold the election this year without fail, U Khun Sai who is taking part in the peace process told CNI News.

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was studying the voting system

"According to the source close to the SAC chairman, he will hold the election in 2025. But he hasn't said exactly the date when the election will be held. And China wants the SAC to hold the election. Moreover, because the SAC has to depend on China, the SAC will hold the election without fail this year. Although China is asking for the exact date, China hasn't known it yet as well." said U Khun Sai.

The election is essential in the current Myanmar political landscape and if the SAC Chairman goes on like this, it won't be the same as maintaining power anymore, pointed out military and political analysts.

Because there are challenges for the ability to hold the election and stability is still needed, the SAC Chairman extended the state of emergency for another six months starting from 1st February 2025 in accordance with the 2008 constitution.

CNI News

15 February 2025

The notorious Zha Pian would be crush up, Maj-Gen Saw San Aung, Chief of Staff of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), told CNI News. 

261 foreigners who were trafficked in telecom fraud (Zha Pian) in Kyauk Khet region were transferred to Thailand by the DKBA on 12th February 2025.

Because Zha Pian obviously is an inhumane act, it must be destroyed, Maj-Gen Saw San Aung told CNI News.

" The Notorious Zha Pian will be crush up because it's inhumane and cruel. It has become clear that the act of the Zha Pian is truly inhumane towards fellow human beings. We must destroy it. We want the region to be peaceful." said Maj-Gen Saw San Aung .

Among the foreigners the DKBA transferred were included 26 Filipinos, 13 Bangladeshis, two Brazilians, one Nepalese, 33 Kenyans, 19 Laotians, 46 Ethiopians, 31  Pakistanis, one Tanzanian, one Sri Lankan, two Ugandans and four Taiwanese.

While seeing The DKBA deputy chief of staff Lt-Gen Saw Shwe Wa, Maj-Gen Saw San Aung, Brig-Gen Sai Kyaw Hla, leader of the BGF Saw Chit Thu and Chinese business owners

 If the Zha Pian hurt the public, it would be suppressed, deputy Chief of Staff, Lt-Gen Saw Shwe Wa told CNI News.

" We released 261 foreigners who were involved in the Zha Pian. They came to the Myanmar side from the Karen-Thailand border by plane or by car. We'll take action against those who are in the Zha Pian business. It hasn't been a long time since I was promoted to the deputy chief of staff a little more than a month ago. If the Zha Pian hurt the people, we must destroy it." said Lt-Gen Saw Shwe Wa.

The DKBA released a statement on 9th February 2025, in which Chinese citizens working in the casinos and restaurants in Paya Thone Zu Township, Karen State must leave on 28th February 2025 at the latest.

 The DKBA would make every effort to prevent Zha Pian activities in Paya Thone Zu Township and to restore electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand as soon as possible, said in the statement.

While seeing foreigners who were handed over to Thailand by the DKBA

The DKBA will work together with the international community to combat human trafficking and human rights abuses or torture, reported the DKBA on 5th February 2025.

The DKBA would search for victims of human trafficking within its control areas if there were requests assistance through the Myanmar Embassy and international embassies. 

Moreover, it would conduct anti-narcotic drugs activities as well, said in the statement.

CNI News

14 February 2025

The Chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing urged his chief ministers to stabilize the regions they have taken the responsibility.

 He said the above at the ceremony for grant giving from the national disaster management fund for the people who had to displace due to violent incidents on 11th February 2025.

" The SAC had to extend the state of emergency for another six months according to the current situation and during the six months, we must focus on maintaining peace and stability. Chief Ministers of the Regions and States need to make attempts for the stabilization of the regions they have taken the responsibilities and social economy development." he said.

There is no 100 percent security in any country in the world. There are crimes and broken securities in every country. The public security system had been launched since 2023, he said.

" Every citizen is responsible to uphold 'Our Three Main National Causes: non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity, perpetuation of the national sovereignty and in order to serve the duties and learn military science and serve in the military, the People's Military Service Law has been enacted." said chairman of the SAC.

The main security personnel are the Myanmar Police Force members and they need to be police officers that the public can rely on. And chief ministers need to support them as needed, he said.

While the SAC Chairman was giving out grants for IDPs

The government, the Tatmadaw, indigenous militia and the public need to work together for the regional security, rule of law, peace and stability, social economic development, said chairman of the SAC.

Terrorist groups are taking advantage of the security forces' inaction to commit violence on public transportation routes. So,  it is necessary to pay special attention to territorial sovereignty and traffic safety. Lack of transportation security could affect the flow of goods and could affect livelihoods and social economy, he said.

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

In the same way, there are thefts, robberies, missing persons and explosions in Yangon Region and rule of law has been weak. Due to battles breaking out across the country, there has been lack of transportations and the people are finding it difficult to travel. 

Because of difficult flow of goods, the people are bearing the brunt of higher social cost.

Moreover, tourism has declined, and foreign income has also decreased.

CNI News

14 February 2025

20,000 kyats will be provided monthly to each temporary displaced person, said the Chairman of the State Administration Council, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. 

He said the above at the ceremony for grant giving from the national disaster management fund for the people who had to displace due to violent incidents after meeting with chief ministers from Regions and States on 11th February 2025.

It is reported that a monthly grant would be given from January to December 2025. 

It was necessary to work together to systematically provide grants to all those who were temporarily displaced, said the Chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

It was necessary to submit the list of temporarily displaced persons who were not included in the list currently collected and will be collected later and ask for the grant after which it was necessary to provide systematic and verified support, he said.

The SAC did not disclose the total number of internal displaced people in Regions and States.

According to the UNOCHA, there are over three million IDPs because of severe battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and resistance groups.

CNI Interview

13 February 2025

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ann Mai (NSCN-K/AM) seceded from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) and established as a separate Naga armed group. 

And then  the NSCN-K/AM is currently holding peace talks with the Myanmar and Indian governments for the development of the Naga region.

On the other hand, because there are many Naga armed groups on the Myanmar side, they are threatening regional stability. Regarding the above situations, CNI News contacted and asked U Chin Aung, the Chairman of the Peacemaking Committee of the NSCN-K/AM.

CNI News: We have known that NSCN-K/AM is currently engaged in a peace process with the Indian government. How's it going?

NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the peace process with India. We absolutely do not accept the construction of a border fence. We have announced not to erect the border fence. This is why our peace process is a bit late.

CNI News: Can we generally say that a ceasefire can be signed when the two sides discuss peace if India does not build a border fence?

NSCN-K/AM: There are Naga people on the borderline with India. When India said they would fence the border, we protested against it. The two sides are still discussing it.

CNI News: Are you discussing this with the central government of India or with the state government?

While seeing the NSCN-K/AM

NSCN-K/AM: Central government

CNI News: Are the two sides still discussing fencing the border

NSCN-K/AM: Yes, that's how it is. We discussed it for the first time. The fence problem emerged for the second time. We have discussed it two times.

CNI News: What kind of relationship do you have with the Myanmar government?

NSCN-K/AM: Our Naga region has been lagging behind in development since the past 50 or 60 years.

 So, we'll carry out the regional development after making peace with the Myanmar government with a view to building a peaceful and stable Naga region.

CNI News: Have the Myanmar government and the NSCN-K/AM signed a peace agreement? Are they still in the negotiation stage?

NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the negotiation stage at the moment in a constructive attitude.

CNI News: When the two sides discussed, Did the Myanmar government regard your organization as the Border Guard Force or militia or an EAO?

NSCN-K/AM: We are not the same as the BGF. As a Naga armed organization, the NSCN-K/AM will never surrender when we maintain the independence policy. We'll protect our region. In this way, we discussed.

CNI News: If so, accepting the NSCN-K/AM as an EAO, the Myanmar government discussed with your organization?

NSCN-K/AM: Yes, It's just like that. They accept us as an EAO to discuss.

CNI News: The Myanmar government wanted some armed groups to form the BGF or militia when they discussed. How was your organization able to discuss?

NSCN-K/AM: They offered us to be the BGF or militia. But we didn't accept it. We are implementing the independence policy. We'll never become the BGF or militia. We'll never surrender to make peace with them. Mainly we are discussing our regional development from which we'll make peace.

CNI News: To what extent has this discussion reached now?

NSCN-K/AM: We haven't signed the agreement. But we collaborate in the administrative mechanism. It's successful.

CNI News: So, what are the points proposed by the NSCN-K/AM?

NSCN-K/AM: Among the points we proposed are mainly regional development projects, education, healthcare and transport. We are carrying out them in collaboration with the Myanmar government.

While the NSCN-K/AM was meting with the NNC

CNI News: If so, how have you agreed to deployment?

NSCN-K/AM: When it comes to deploying troops, we only take as much territory as we can.

CNI News: How is the NSCN-K/AM carrying out regional peace and stability? Are you going in alliance with the Myanmar Tatmadaw or separately on your own? Because there are various Naga armed groups in the Naga region..

NSCN-K/AM: Because there are many armed organizations in our Naga region, we are working in connection with them including the KIA. We have told the KIA not to disturb our region.

CNI News: How are you working with the KIA? Have you met and discussed with them?

NSCN-K/AM: We are dealing with them in a message. We haven't met in person yet.

CNI News: Has the KIA replied to you?

NSCN-K/AM: They haven't replied to us yet.

CNI News: Have you decided to sign a ceasefire agreement with India in what situation?

NSCN-K/AM: The Indian government has also offered us. We are still in the discussion process. Because we have objected to India's fencing the border. We are still negotiating it. In relation to the Myanmar government, it depends on how much the government can comply with our demands.

CNI News: During the leadership of U Kaplang, the NSCN-K signed a Region level agreement. Are you still discussing under the agreement or going in a separate direction?

NSCN-K/AM: We are going under that agreement. No matter what the situation in the country is, because our region and our people are lagging behind in development, we are trying our best to improve regional development, education and healthcare sectors.

CNI News

13 February 2025

Military and political analysts are discussing whether an all-inclusive conference could emerge to resolve the Myanmar political crisis that has been four years long. 

Although it is impossible to hold an all-inclusive conference at present, after the discussions with each group are completed, whether an all-inclusive conference could be held or not must be watched, Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" Whether an all-inclusive conference can be held soon or not is questionable. In my opinion, at this time, the main objectives of the armed groups are not the same now. After the SAC discusses with each group, if holding an all-inclusive conference is held, it might be convenient. It must be watched." he said.

The NSPNC and some EAOs that have signed the NCA discussed in order to hold a peace conference in 2023. 

While seeing leaders who attended the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference

According to the NCA, if the conference was held, the NCA signatories only would be able to attend it. So, the conference that goes beyond the NCA could be held, considered by some people.

If a conference was held, it was necessary to include powerful EAOs, U Khun Sai who is included in the peace process told CNI News.

" If a conference is held, it's necessary to include powerful EAOs such as the UWSA and the NDAA so that whether the election can be held or the conference can be held, it will be supportive more or less," he said.

While a peace conference was being held

Although a Union Peace Conference was held under the former civilian government, it was just a little effective.

A Union Peace Conference was held under the government led by President U Thein Sein in 2016 and another one, under the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in August 2020.

When the NSPNC and the Work Group of political parties met and discussed, political parties presented to hold an all-inclusive peace conference.

However, the SAC has not expressed yet whether it would accept to hold a conference or not.

CNI News

12 February 2025

After reports emerged that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin would visit Myanmar, whether he could help Myanmar find a way out of the current crisis is being discussed by military and political analysts. 

The reports emerged after the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar Othman Hashim's trip to Naypyidaw.

If Naypyidaw accepted Thaksin's intervention, a negotiation could take place, the Chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" If Naypyidaw accepted Thaksin's intervention, he could have the ability to push in a way that is not a hard line that is maintained by both his daughter handling on the Thai border and the Malaysian government. A negotiation that contains 60 or 70 percent of stakeholders could emerge without hurting anyone's dignity. The biggest benefit is that the election could be held with a little disruption." he said.

While seeing Thaksin and Sr-Gen Than Shwe

The ASEAN rotating chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin met on February 2, 2025, to discuss the Myanmar issue. 

If Thaksin came to Myanmar, it would be possible to plan in order that all the stakeholders could show up at the negotiation roundtable, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

"I haven't heard anything from Thailand regarding the Myanmar issue. Chinese PM Li Chang said at a press conference the other day that China is trying to make an all-inclusive discussion emerge and find a solution together. When the Thai PM met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, they reportedly discussed Myanmar issue. Former Thai PM Thaksin has been very close to the Myanmar military leaders since the days of U Than Shwe and U Thein Sein. So, I think it's likely that he will come to Myanmar to discuss the Myanmar issue. Anwar is the rotating chairman of ASEAN. He told Xi Jinping that he would tackle the Myanmar crisis to end it quickly when he became the Chairman of the ASEAN. They seem to be trying to find an answer after they give in to the military council to an extent." she said.

While seeing Thaksin and Malaysian PM Anwar

Anwar announced that he appointed Thaksin as his advisor to help him in the ASEAN affairs at a joint press conference with Thai PM Paetongtarn on 16th December 2024. 

The meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was beneficial to the ASEAN and focused on the Myanmar issues, said Thai PM Paetongtarn.

The ASEAN has promised to make Myanmar peaceful and Myanmar wants peace as well, said the Thai PM.

Armed conflicts are severely breaking out across Myanmar and there has been over three million IDPs, according to the UNOCHA on 3rd January 2025.