CNI News
April 21, 2026

The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Central Committee (NSPCC) issued a statement on April 21, 2026, inviting Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) to participate in peace negotiations.

In the invitation, the President-led NSPCC stated its belief that in implementing the peace process, it is essential to end armed conflicts and resolve political issues through political means.

The NSPCC’s statement further extended a formal invitation to hold free and unconditional discussions to implement peace processes necessary for national development, stability, and tranquility.

The invitation is addressed to: Armed groups that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Armed groups that have not yet signed the NCA. Armed groups that previously signed the NCA but have since withdrawn.

CNI News

April 21, 2026

The first meeting of the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) under Myanmar’s new government was held on April 21, 2026, in Nay Pyi Taw.

The meeting was attended by: President: U Min Aung Hlaing, Vice Presidents: U Nyo Saw and Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw: U Khin Yi,  Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw: U Aung Lin Dwe, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services: General Ye Win Oo, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services: General Kyaw Swar Lin, Minister of Defense: General Tun Aung, Minister of Home Affairs: Lieutenant General Nyunt Win Swe, Minister of Border Affairs: Lieutenant General Phone Myat, Minister of Foreign Affairs: U Tin Maung Swe.

During the session, the council discussed several critical issues, including:  Peace Process: Matters regarding national stability and peace initiatives. Economy: General economic affairs and development. Anti-Corruption: Ensuring the integrity and elimination of corruption within the Myanmar Armed Forces, the Myanmar Police Force, and administrative officials. ASEAN Cooperation: Matters related to collaborating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Energy Crisis: Issues surrounding the current fuel oil shortages and crises.

CNI News

April 21, 2026

Rice cultivation in Myanmar could decline by up to 10% due to the current fuel crisis, according to various farmers' associations.

Because there is no specific fuel quota allocated for farmers, they are forced to purchase fuel on the black market for nearly 3 million MMK per barrel—if they can even find it at all.

U Thein Aung, former chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News that rice cultivation for this year’s rainy season could drop by 10%, and even in areas where planting does occur, about 50% of the work will be done haphazardly rather than systematically.

"Regarding the rainy season paddy, under the current situation, fields with uncertain yields or unreliable water access won't be farmed if fuel remains scarce. Those who usually plant two crops a year will likely scale back to just one. In the Ayeyarwady Region, the total acreage might only drop by about 10% because some farmers have no choice but to plant. However, the extent of systematic and proper cultivation will likely drop by 50%," he said.

 Farmers irrigating their fields.

Farmers reported that although fuel sales for agricultural purposes require recommendations from local administrators, they are still unable to obtain sufficient supplies.

While the Rice Millers Association occasionally sells fuel quotas at 1.9 million MMK per barrel, farmers on the ground are often forced to pay between 2.6 million and 3 million MMK.

U Aye Myint, a farmer from Kyaunggon Township, told CNI News that regular cultivation will only be possible if fuel is distributed through a quota system managed by the relevant Departments of Agriculture and village administrators.

A fuel station seen in Myanmar.

"The acreage for rain-fed paddy is already recorded at the village tract level, the Township Agriculture Office, and the Township General Administration Office. For example, if a village tract has 1,000 acres, they should be allocated 2 gallons per acre—totaling 2,000 gallons. If village administrators were responsible for collecting the total amount for the entire group and redistributing it, it would truly support the agricultural sector. That way, we could farm every year without the industry being hampered," he said.

Farmers noted that despite rising fuel prices, the price they receive for their paddy remains between 1.2 million and 1.6 million MMK per 100 baskets. They explained that a profit is only possible if an acre yields 150 baskets; those yielding less are facing financial losses.

Furthermore, the World Food Programme (WFP) has released a statement noting that Myanmar is facing a dire situation. This is due to rising prices and shortages of fuel and fertilizer driven by conflicts in the Middle East, forcing a reduction in agricultural inputs.

CNI News

April 21, 2026

Military and political analysts are pointing out that the TNLA (Ta'ang National Liberation Army) appears to be in a "tight spot" (between a rock and a hard place) in northern Shan State. This follows military friction with other armed groups and the sending of a congratulatory message to the government of President U Min Aung Hlaing.

The TNLA launched Operation 1027 on October 27, 2023, attacking the Myanmar military and seizing control of 12 towns across northern Shan State.

However, by 2025, the group lost Naungcho, Kyaukme, Mogok, and Momeik back to the Myanmar military. Furthermore, its ally, the MNDAA (Kokant Army), launched an offensive against Kutkai and Namkham, forcing the TNLA to cede Kutkai and enter into a ceasefire agreement with the MNDAA.

Amidst these developments, the TNLA sent a congratulatory message on April 15, 2026, welcoming the appointment of U Min Aung Hlaing as President and the formation of a new civilian government.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that this move was unexpected and likely stems from the pressures the TNLA is facing. He also suggested a potential connection to the KIA (Kachin Independence Army).

Three top officials led by President U Min Aung Hlaing seen

"Legally, they are only entitled to Mantong and Namhsan. I have said before that no matter how much they seize, they will eventually have to withdraw. The TNLA had big ambitions, so it captured many towns. But this statement had to be issued. I don't think the timing of General Gun Maw’s (KIA) trip to northern Shan State and this statement are a coincidence.

Just like the situation with Bo Nagar, the TNLA seems to be in a tight spot. They are essentially reaching out to the government because of these crises. When you look at their past joint statements with the other two allies, we never expected them to welcome the new government. It seems they are facing a shortage of manpower due to heavy casualties in the war, alongside other external pressures," Sai Htay Aung said.

While the TNLA initially collaborated with the MNDAA, AA, KNDF, BNRA, BPLA, MDY-PDF, DPLA, and PLA during Operation 1027, relations have since soured. The TNLA reportedly expelled other armed groups—including the KIA, SSPP, MNDAA, and PDF—from the territories it captured, leading to a breakdown in military and political ties. Disputes also arose with the MNDAA specifically over the administration of the Kutkai region.

Following the TNLA’s message welcoming the new government, Ta'ang civil society organizations have issued protests, and questions have been raised regarding whether the group has abandoned its revolutionary stance.

TNLA Leaders seen

A local resident from Kyaukme told CNI News that the TNLA's shift might be due to a severe depletion of combat-ready soldiers and various other pressures.

"The TNLA's strength relied on recruiting only from the Palaung (Ta'ang) ethnicity. They don't recruit Shan, Chinese, or Bamar. Consequently, their recruitment pool in northern Shan State is almost exhausted. They have very few soldiers left capable of fighting. They have even recruited women, and they now have to consider the survival of their people. Additionally, pressure from the 'Big Black Hand' (China) is a major factor. I believe they chose this path after weighing all these circumstances," the resident said.

The TNLA had captured Mogok and Momeik in July 2024 but returned them to the Myanmar military on November 29, 2025, following mediation by the Chinese government.

Under the current 2008 Constitution, only Namhsan and Mantong are designated as the Palaung Self-Administered Zone. However, the TNLA aspires to establish a "Palaung State" comprising 12 townships: Namhsan, Mantong, Namtu, Mong Ngaw, Kyaukme, Naungcho, Mogok, Momeik, Kutkai, Namkham, Hsipaw,
Monglon

CNI News

April 21, 2026

The Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA) issued a statement on April 20, 2026, announcing that members of its Central Executive Committee held a meeting with Arakan Army (AA) leader General Twan Mrat Naing in an AA-controlled area of Rakhine State.

The meeting took place in Rakhine State in February 2026, following an invitation from the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA).

According to the CPU/CPA statement, the discussions covered the current progress of the Spring Revolution and ways to foster long-term mutual benefit as good neighbors between the Chin and Rakhine people. Furthermore, they were able to establish a roadmap for future joint operations.

General Twan Mrat Naing meets with CPU/CPA representatives in Rakhine State, February 2026.

The CPU/CPA stated that the visit, which lasted approximately two weeks, was highly beneficial and provided valuable learning opportunities for the organization. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the United League of Arakan.

The AA currently controls Paletwa Township in Chin State, as well as 14 out of the 17 townships in Rakhine State, having seized them from the Myanmar Military.

Similarly, the Myanmar Military is facing ongoing attacks across Ayeyarwady, Sagaing, and Magway Regions, as well as in Chin, Shan, and Kachin States, by the KIA, PDF, MNDAA, TNLA, and various Chin armed groups.

CNI News

April 21, 2026

It is not yet feasible to grant a political status similar to the "Wa" region to all regions and states; however, the Pa-O region is slightly closer to achieving such status compared to other areas, Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News.

He explained that the Pa-O region is not as prominent as Mong La or the "Wa" region. In the "Wa" region, there are no groups opposing the military dictatorship, nor are there central-opposing dissidents; the United Wa State Party (UWSP) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) maintain firm control over the territory. The Pa-O region, however, lacks that level of cohesion, making it difficult to achieve "Wa" level political status at this time.

"Furthermore, there are government institutions in the 'Wa' region—teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Education, and social organizations assigned by the government. They are allowed to exist and operate within the territory. However, they manage their own administration, judiciary, and legal affairs. While doing so, they know how to maintain relations with the government and Naypyidaw without creating friction or obstacles. They do not accept anyone within their territory who would cause such friction. In our Pa-O region, there are still voices and elements that cause friction. We are not unified. Additionally, the leading party and the armed wing are not as cohesive as the 'Wa,' nor are they as financially independent. Up until now, Pa-O armed groups have had to rely on state support. If they could stand on their own without state aid, it might be different, but currently, all transformed People's Militia Groups (PMFs) rely on support to survive. Therefore, I’d say we haven't even reached 50% of the 'Wa' level yet," Colonel Khun Okkar said.

UWSA 'Wa' leaders seen together.

Under Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution, there is one Self-Administered Division and five Self-Administered Zones, totaling six units. "Wa" is designated as the Self-Administered Division.

The Self-Administered Zones include:  Kokang: Konkyan and Laukkai townships in Shan State. Palaung (Ta'ang): Namhsan and Mantong townships in Shan State. Danu: Ywangan and Pindaya townships in Shan State. Pa-O: Ho Pone, Hsi Hseng, and Pinlaung townships in Shan State. Naga: Lahe, Leshi, and Nanyun townships in Sagaing Region.

In the context of ending Myanmar's nearly 80-year-long armed conflict, military and political analysts are debating whether all non-Bamar ethnic groups should be granted "Wa"-style self-autonomy. Analysts told CNI News that simply granting self-administered status is not enough to end the armed conflicts.

Political analyst Dr. An Kaw La told CNI News that while some ethnicities require status as Self-Administered States or Zones, others do not. He added that even when granting such autonomy, they would need to be entirely detached from constitutional oversight.

"In our context, we can implement sub-autonomous regions or national areas. Some regions need to be given sub-autonomy status, while for others, it isn't necessary. If we practice federalism, granting 'national areas' with political rights would suffice. It depends on the approaches to elections, administration, and implementation systems. So, is it possible or appropriate to give this to everyone? Some should receive it. In addition to the current seven regions and seven states, we can establish more Special Regions. However, some must remain legally bound; we cannot legally let them go entirely," Dr. M. Kawn La said.

 Pa-O PNO soldiers seen together.

Before 1958, under the 1947 Constitution, the Shan, Kachin, Kayah (Karenni), and Karen states held separate state statuses. State governments were formed with representatives from their respective state councils and exercised certain administrative powers.

During that era, a bicameral parliamentary system was used, featuring a Chamber of Nationalities for non-Bamar ethnic groups. In this chamber, representatives of non-Bamar ethnicities were granted seats based on state-specific rights rather than population ratio, allowing them to negotiate a balance of power almost equal to that of the Bamar ethnic group.

In 1958, ethnic groups held a high political status that legally included the right to self-determination and the right to secede from the Union.

Currently, ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are demanding a status similar to the "Wa" or a "Confederation" status, and are engaged in armed struggle to achieve these goals.

CNI News
April 20, 2026

President U Min Aung Hlaing has extended a peace invitation to all armed organizations—including those that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and those that have not—to engage in discussions by a deadline of July 31.

He made these remarks during a Union Government meeting held on April 20, 2026.

President U Min Aung Hlaing stated: "Regarding Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), there are two groups: those that have signed the NCA and those that have not. I am inviting both. I invite the non-signatory groups to meet for discussions before July 31."

He further mentioned that he would be issuing formal announcements tomorrow (April 21).

"We will issue announcements tomorrow; I am stating this in advance," the President said. "Additionally, there are groups that signed the agreement but have not met with us in the past five years—for example, the KNU, CNF, and ABSDF. We invite them. We invite the EAOs to discuss what they wish to achieve. Furthermore, there are existing agreements with signatories, such as the 43-point agreement. There are agreements within the Union Accord reached through NCA discussions. These will be submitted to the upcoming Union Assembly (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) to be implemented in stages."

He emphasized his invitation for groups that have not yet engaged in talks to do so by July 31, noting that the government desires peace. He stressed that without national stability, development projects cannot proceed.

"Only through peace and stability can development work be carried out," President U Min Aung Hlaing added. "If construction work is done in the front while destruction follows behind, it is like the proverb 'breeding deer only for the tiger to eat.' Therefore, it would be a mistake for organizations to make impossible demands just to ensure their own survival. The State will also have to take necessary actions. Thus, I invite both NCA signatories and non-signatories for peace talks to be held before July 31. Similarly, I invite the PDF to enter the legal fold during this period."

Currently, the NCA has been signed by the RCSS, PNLO, ALP, DKBA, KNU/KNLA-PC, LDU, NMSP, CNF, KNU, and ABSDF. Organizations such as the KIA, SSPP, UWSA, KNPP, and NDAA have not signed.

The military's specific stance toward the AA, TNLA, MNDAA, SNA, NSCN, and the new armed groups that emerged after February 1, 2021, remains unclear.

CNI News
April 17, 2026

Two junior officers from the joint Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) surrendered to the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) on April 15, 2026, bringing their weapons and ammunition with them.

The two individuals—a squad leader and a deputy squad leader from the joint KIA-PDF force—surrendered at a frontline outpost of the SNA's 891st Brigade, Battalion No. 2. They brought with them two UWSA "Wa"-made M-22 rifles, five magazines, over 200 rounds of ammunition, two sets of equipment, and related supplies.

One of the two men who surrendered stated that they had been forced into the revolutionary group through involuntary recruitment and chose to defect to the SNA because they disliked the oppressive behavior of their superiors.

While meeting SNA troops

"Since we arrived and finished training, we were sent immediately to the front lines. They forced us to sacrifice our lives at the front while they stayed behind giving orders. We asked for leave to visit our homes, but they never granted it. Furthermore, they have been unfairly collecting taxes from the public, and those funds are used by them (the KIA leaders) for their own personal gain. We didn't like these things, which is why we surrendered to the SNA," he said.

An SNA official stated that the two individuals are currently receiving medical care and will be returned to their families shortly.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) operates within the Sagaing Region and Kachin State. According to local residents, the SNA is currently defending its controlled territories against territorial offensive battles initiated by the KIA-PDF.

CNI News
April 17, 2026

It has been learned that State President U Min Aung Hlaing has granted an amnesty to U Win Myint, who served as President during the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, for all the sentences he is currently serving.

U Win Myint had been sentenced to a total of 9 years and 6 months in prison, including for four corruption cases and under Section 130.

Following this, it has been learned from sources close to the family and those familiar with the situation in Naypyidaw that on April 17, 2026, to mark the Myanmar New Year, State President U Min Aung Hlaing granted an amnesty, commuting the remaining sentences.