Tuesday, May 30, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Gender Alliance Reports 20 Percent Women’s Participation in Peace Conference

Posted: 30 May 2017 08:15 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW — The inclusion of women in peace talks slightly increased during the second session of the 21st Century Panglong conference with an estimated 20 percent representation, although it has not yet reached the minimum target threshold of 30 percent.

Overall, an estimated 146 of the total 740 delegates (19.73 percent) were women, according to the Alliance for Gender Inclusion in the Peace Process (AGIPP), which published its evaluation paper on Monday.

Government spokesperson U Zaw Htay said that they would continue to strive to reach 30 percent women's representation, as is outlined in the framework for political dialogue. However, AGIPP's numbers remain an estimate, as government representatives could not provide an official number or percentage of the women delegates present during the recent conference, despite being asked about the issue by numerous reporters.

Women at the recent peace conference participated as delegates, facilitators and issue-specific experts and observers. They were undoubtedly visible, but conference observers noted that many of the women present at the event were not there in a decision-making capacity, instead serving as police officers, administrative support staff, and cleaners.

AGIPP reported in 2016 that in the conference's first session, held in August and September, there were 97 women out of 663 total delegates (14.6 percent). The majority of these women represented the ethnic armed organizations, many of which did not attend the most recent session because the groups have not signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

This year, the female delegates were from only eight ethnic armed organizations—the NCA signatory groups—as well as the government, Parliament, Burma Army and various political parties.

Government spokesperson U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy last Friday that the government had instructed each ministry to carefully select the women representatives for the peace conference, choosing those who were "experts on the issues and who could contribute fully to the process."

He said that most of those women were from the social welfare sector, and therefore the government had stronger female representation in the discussion on the social sector than they did on the political and security sectors.

Fifty-six women out of 167 total delegates participated in the proceedings surrounding the social sector, sharing their perspectives on the reintegration of refugees and internally displace persons from Burma's civil war and various natural disasters. Arguably missing from this discussion, and the basic social sector principles agreed upon, was a focus on education and health.

According to the delegates, women also actively participated in the economic sector discussion, in which federal economic policies were discussed.

The basic principles outlined in the land and environment sector ensured the equal ownership of land by both men and women in accordance with land laws, one of the women's key concerns.

The fewest women were present in the security sector discussion: 13 participants out of 133. Yet, AGIPP described these individuals as "highly active" in the talks.

Delegates who participated in the political sector discussion told The Irrawaddy that there was no consensus concerning the theme of gender equality during the discussion.

"Gender equality, which is under the equality principle, was left to proceed in discussions for the next rounds of talks," said Naw May Oo, the stakeholder representing the Karen National Union, "as it is not attractive during the talk, even though it is under the equality principle."

"As long as we think gender equality should not be a priority, we [the country] will be behind, because we, women, are 51 percent of the total population," she added.

In its paper, AGIPP also urged the government and relevant stakeholders to pay attention to the recommendations of the CEDAW (Convention on the End of all forms of Discrimination Against Women) committee in drafting future laws and state constitutions, so as to ensure gender equality and prevent the discrimination against women.

The delegates are optimistic that greater inclusion of women in the peace talks "will help ease hindrances" which cannot be solved only between men.

"Now women's voices for peace have become loudly heard, and everyone pays attention when it comes to peace," said Daw San Wint Khaing, the Pa-O ethnic affairs minister in Mon State, who attended the conference as the Mon State representative.

"The stakeholders have become aware that peace is key for creating a good future for the women, young children, and the elders," minister Daw San Wint Khiang told The Irrawaddy on Monday, adding that peace would be implemented sooner for the sake of women, children and the elderly.

Daw Htoot May, a Lower House lawmaker representing the Arakan National Party told The Irrawaddy that at least 30 percent of women lawmakers joined the peace conference and took part in the discussions.

She is hopeful that as long as the federal principles agreed to can address the political problems, women's participation and the role of women in decision making will follow.

"We did not see a women's section created, as the key theme was how to form a federal state," she said. "When we can create a federal system, I don't think there will be discrimination against men or women."

The second 21st Century Panglong peace conference session concluded with the signing of 37 of 45 basic principles negotiated during the six-day event, but key principles concerning those of equality, self-determination and the secession were left to be addressed in future negotiations.

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Deputy Defense Minister: Army Agriculture on Confiscated Land Saves Money

Posted: 30 May 2017 05:31 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW—The Burma Army's farming projects inside cantonments and on confiscated land saves more than 75 billion kyats annually from the state's budget, said Deputy Minister of Defense Maj-Gen Myint Nwe.

During the Upper House legislative session on Tuesday, the deputy minister faced a question by lawmaker U Wai Sein Aung from Arakan State (1) regarding some 100 acres of land grabbed by the Light Infantry Battalion No. 270 in Sittwe in 1994.

The deputy minister said his ministry had already returned some of the land to the government, and would not give back the remaining area because the battalion is farming the area.

"The Tatmadaw really works hard in farming and [livestock] breeding. This not only boosts the food productivity of the country and supports the livelihoods of service personnel, but also saves 75.79 billion kyats (US$51.13 million) annually on the state's funds," the deputy minister told lawmakers.

If food expenditure is to be allocated to the army like it is to the police force, the annual military expenditure will need an additional 75.79 billion kyats, he said.

"But the Tatmadaw does not ask for this sum from the state's budget—it meets this requirement by farming and breeding on its own," said the deputy minister.

The military institution implements farming and livestock breeding as part of a welfare policy, said the deputy minister. The produce is sold to service personnel and their families at cheaper prices than outside markets, and surpluses are also sold to outside markets at low prices, he said.

When asked by lawmaker U Wai Sein Aung if the ministry would consider giving compensation for confiscated lands, the deputy minister said those lands were confiscated in line with procedures in 1994, and therefore there was no plan to provide compensation.

The defense budget for 2017-18 fiscal year was set at more than 2.0 trillion kyats, which is 13.59 percent of the total Union budget, according to the deputy minister.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Cyclone Mora Flattens Hundreds of Homes in Arakan State

Posted: 30 May 2017 05:19 AM PDT

RANGOON – Cyclone Mora destroyed hundreds of structures and ripped roofs off buildings in Arakan State on Tuesday, including flattening shelters in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

There were no immediate reports of casualties and authorities were working to assess the damage, according to Lt-Col Win Naung of Sittwe Township police.

U Kyaw Hla Aung, from Thet Kay Pyin IDP camp on the outskirts of Sittwe and a member of the Rohingya community widely affected by the cyclone, told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that hundreds of structures in his area were blown to the ground.

The cyclone struck at 9 p.m. on Monday night and eased on Tuesday afternoon, with rain and wind continuing all day, he said, adding that he had heard of damage to "almost every" IDP camp along the Arakan coast.

U Tun Tha, a teacher in Thae Chaung IDP camp, said the cyclone had destroyed 50 houses and taken the roofs off 200 bamboo houses in the camp.

There were reports that downed telephone lines were hampering communication in Maungdaw Township along the border with Bangladesh.

Some 50 buildings were destroyed in Khaung Doke Kar IDP camp, each home to about eight families, according to a local resident.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates 120,000 people remain displaced in Arakan State following riots in 2012 and subsequent flaring of violence.

Arakan State chief minister U Nyi Pu was working with the fire department, the electricity department, police, and the army to check damage around Sittwe on Tuesday, according to his Facebook page.

The Irrawaddy telephoned regional social welfare minister Dr. Chan Tha for comment but he replied that he was in a meeting.

Authorities evacuated 350,000 people from the effects of Cyclone Mora in Bangladesh. The storm caused severe damage to refugee camps housing Rohingya refugees from northern Arakan State near Cox's Bazar.

Shamsul Alam, a Rohingya community leader, told Reuters that damage in the camps was severe with almost all the 10,000 thatched huts in the Balukhali and Kutupalong camps destroyed.

Cox's Bazar district chief Mohammad Ali Hussin said at least 15,000 houses in the district had been destroyed and he had unconfirmed reports of three people killed and dozens injured, including several Rohingya refugees, Reuters reported.

The cyclone killed at least 177 people in recent days, with widespread floods and landslides in Sri Lanka and 24 killed by lightning strikes and collapsed village huts in the eastern Indian state of Bihar.

Cyclone Komen crossed coastal Arakan State in 2015 and brought severe flooding and landslides, claiming 132 lives and displacing 1.6 million people across Burma, according to a World Bank report. 

 

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The UWSA and the Risks Within Burma’s Political Landscape

Posted: 30 May 2017 04:12 AM PDT

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) plays a significant role in the political spectrum in Burma, highlighted by pressure placed on the group's delegates not to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in the 21st Century Panglong peace conference, and the recent series of ethnic conferences led by the UWSA in its enclave of Panghsang. The group and its alliance were invited to participate in the opening of the second session of the Union Peace Conference, demonstrating that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wanted to portray an atmosphere of all-inclusiveness at the event.

In fact, the recent involvement of the UWSA in Burma's peace process can be understood skeptically as being a calculated decision. If the government and military cannot pave the way toward fruitful and timely negotiations, the UWSA could potentially induce unprecedented political risk in the country through the intensified pursuit of the following courses of action.

Claiming Territory as a State

The UWSA has claimed it officially recognizes its territory as a state since former President U Thein Sein's tenure. It has controlled the territories referred to by the government as "Special Region No. 2 in Shan State," while the UWSA refers to the area as Wa State. On January 1, 2009, the UWSA announced its territory as the Wa State Government Special Administrative Region. Yet the 2008 Constitution officially classifies this territory as the Wa Self-Administered Division.

Sam Khun, a spokesperson for the UWSA's political wing, the United Wa State Party, emphasized to The Irrawaddy in 2013 that the group was asking for state autonomy, though the government had given them a Wa-run administrative region. Many said that the UWSA initially brought their proposal to address the issue in the first-round of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference held in 2016. However, before addressing the proposal, they walked out of the conference, citing government mismanagement.

The UWSA's claim may bring about grievances from the government, military and other ethnic armed groups with which they are not currently allied.

Rejection of the NCA

The UWSA have indicated that they believe the peace process with which the government, military and other ethnic armed groups deal will be stalled and prolonged. They also have been excluded from the political talks, particularly in the initial stages of the NCA process.

In February, the UWSA hosted representatives of six other ethnic armed groups in its Panghsang headquarters for a meeting on the peace process. After the meeting, the gathering rejected the NCA and called for a new peace process arbitrated by China. Government spokesperson U Zaw Htay said that the UWSA-led demands could complicate some issues but would not derail the NCA process.

The UWSA released a statement on September 2, 2016 in which they condemned the government and its military for what they described as poor management and discrimination against ethnic minorities during the first session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference. The UWSA's rejection the NCA remains a major challenge for the government and the military.

Alliances With Other Ethnic Armed Organizations

The UWSA's alliances with other ethnic armed organizations challenge the supremacy of the government and military's peace process. The current alliances were the result of the three-day ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) summit in Panghsang, and include the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the ethnic Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA). Their common agreement is to stand together and assist one another when or if any member is under attack. Perhaps to fortify its position as a leader in this process, the UWSA hosted another ethnic conference from April 15-19, and even formed the "Federation of Ethnic Nationalities."

The government and its military see this alliance as a hurdle to its own ongoing peace process, centered on the signing of the NCA. Questions arise on how they will confront this challenge: will they accept the new peace trajectory brought by the UWSA-led coalition? Or, through military means, will they force the alliance to sign the NCA?

Strengthening of the Military

The strengthening of the UWSA's own military puts a burden on the Burmese army as the latter attempts to weaken and disarm the country's ethnic armed groups in order to reach its aim of serving as the country's single armed force.

The UWSA has been building its military for decades with the support of China. It has an estimated 30,000 active military personnel who are believed to be highly trained. The UWSA produce ammunition and possess sophisticated weaponry such as tanks, snipers, anti-tank artillery, and helicopters from China, reportedly complete with TY-90 air-to-air missiles, according to sources close to the Wa army, as well as leaked documents.

The UWSA is also believed to serve as a prominent arms dealer for other ethnic armed groups, including the MNDAA, KIA, AA, and TNLA. The Burma Army faces the dilemma of how to address the UWSA's military clout without such a confrontation escalating into large-scale conflict.

A Scenario for a Peace Deal

The uncertainties outlined here—regarding Wa statehood, the NCA, new alliances, and a fortified Wa army—must be addressed in negotiations; in peace talks, the UWSA cannot be excluded. Without Wa participation—a major linchpin for a peace deal in Burma—the peace process will be meaningless, as it will not have the backing of the largest and strongest ethnic military power in the region.

The new Federation of Ethnic Nationalities recently showed up at the second session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference in Naypyidaw, but the alliance's delegates were excluded from participation in the event. Instead, they were appeased with separate meetings with the State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and left the administrative capital without having made any tangible headway.

If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her team neglect the UWSA in a peace deal, it could end up being a significant mistake. The government and Burma Army must pave the way for negotiations with the UWSA, lest a resolution be stalled indefinitely. Otherwise, the risk of non-inclusiveness could be an environment of even greater insecurity and instability.

Joe Kumbun is the pseudonym of a Kachin State-based analyst.

The post The UWSA and the Risks Within Burma's Political Landscape appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Viral Video Renews Allegations of Burma Army Abuses

Posted: 30 May 2017 03:27 AM PDT

A viral video that appears to show members of the Burma Army beating three civilians surfaced over the weekend and called into question ongoing allegations of military abuse.

Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) Brig-Gen Tar Phone Kyaw claimed the footage was from an incident that occurred in June 2015. He said a TNLA troop member was detained in Nam Hpat Kar village tract in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State.

"They arrested one of our troop members and then began to torture other villagers," said Brig-Gen Tar Phone Kyaw.

The footage showed several armed men beating and kicking three men as at least six unidentified men were handcuffed and questioned.

It also showed soldiers kicking men in the face, holding a machete to a man's throat and asking where the guns were hidden.

Some of the handcuffed men were questioned as to whether they belonged to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

It is not known why the video was released at this time, or by whom.

Human rights groups and Western governments have accused the Burma Army of detaining, torturing and murdering civilians accused of supporting rebel groups. Rights groups called on the government to investigate the video.

The TNLA has reported numerous abuses amid fighting in the north between the TNLA and security forces. Locals say rights abuses are not uncommon in conflict-torn Shan State. In 2016, a court martial found seven soldiers guilty of killing five civilians in Shan State's Mong Yaw village.

Burma Army soldiers also face widespread allegations of abuse following "security clearance operations" in Arakan State that began in Oct. 2016.

This video has surfaced as the second session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference concludes. Ethnic armed groups, the Burma Army, and government representatives gathered for peace talks as fighting continues across the country.

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UN Names Fact-Finding Mission Members

Posted: 30 May 2017 01:41 AM PDT

The UN named a trio of independent experts on Tuesday to investigate widespread allegations of killings, rape and torture by Burma's security forces against Rohingya Muslims in Arakan State.

The international fact-finding mission will be chaired by Indira Jaising, an advocate of the Supreme Court of India, the president of the UN Human Rights Council said in a statement.

The mission will seek access to Burma, where the army last week rejected allegations of abuses during a crackdown last year which forced some 75,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The UN urged the government to "fully cooperate" by making available the findings of its domestic investigations and by "granting full, unrestricted and unmonitored access".

The two other members are Radhika Coomaraswamy, a human rights veteran and lawyer from Sri Lanka, and Australian activist Christopher Sidoti, said the U.N. statement, issued after private consultations within the 47-member state forum.

The Council agreed to set up the fact-finding mission last March in a resolution strongly condemning violations and calling for ensuring "full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims."

A UN report in February said Burma's security forces had committed mass killings and gang rapes in a campaign that "very likely" amounted to crimes against humanity and possibly ethnic cleansing. The report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was based on extensive interviews with Rohingya survivors in Bangladesh.

Both Burma's de facto leader State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's military commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing have rejected the team of experts.

In her State of the Union address last month Daw Aung Suu Kyi said she did not accept a fact-finding mission into Arakan State. "It does not mean we disrespect the UN," she added, "it is just that it does not correspond with our country's [situation]."

On the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of Armed Forces Day last month, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing reiterated that the Rohingya population did not belong to Burma, but were interlopers from Bangladesh—and that any international political intervention on the pretext of assisting refugees from this community would threaten Burma's sovereignty.

Last week, more than 50 civil society groups in Burma urged the government to fully cooperate with the fact finding mission, claiming it would "foster a rule-of law culture." Last month, 23 international organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Fortify Rights, called on overseas governments to engage Burmese authorities in allowing unfettered access to the UN fact-finding mission.

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Kim Jong Nam Murder Case Moves to Malaysian High Court

Posted: 29 May 2017 10:59 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The case of two women charged in Malaysia with killing the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader was transferred to a higher court on Tuesday, as a defense lawyer complained of not getting all of the documents he had requested.

Indonesian Siti Aishah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, face the death penalty if convicted of murdering Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13.

The two women are accused of smearing Kim's face with VX nerve agent, a chemical described by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction.

Aishah and Huong have told diplomats from their countries that they were unwitting pawns in what US officials and South Korean intelligence have said was an assassination orchestrated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Nam, the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, had spoken out publicly against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed nation.

Aishah and Huong were charged on March 1 but the Sepang district magistrate court had twice deferred prosecutors' requests for the case to be moved to a higher court pending collection of documents.

On Tuesday, the district court judge moved the case to the Shah Alam High Court. No date was given for the first High Court hearing but prosecutor Iskandar Ahmad told reporters the court should notify them "within a month."

Aishah and Huong were present for the hearing, their third court appearance, both wearing bullet-proof vests.

Aishah's lawyer, Gooi Soon Seng, told the court the police and prosecution had yet to supply the defense with documents and other evidence needed for the case.

"The concept of a fair trial demands that all material documents should be supplied to the defense at the earliest opportunity," Gooi said.

Gooi said last month he feared a "trial by ambush" and said police had not responded to requests to provide evidence such as CCTV recordings and statements from other suspects.

Three North Korean suspects—including a diplomat—were allowed to go home in March, along with the body of Kim Jong Nam, as part of a swap deal with North Korea, which had banned nine Malaysians from leaving there.

Four other North Koreans have been identified by Malaysia as suspects. Malaysian police have said the four left Kuala Lumpur for Pyongyang on the day of the killing.

North Korea has refused to accept the dead man was leader Kim Jong Un's half brother, and has suggested the victim died of a heart attack. It has accused Malaysia of working with South Korean and other "hostile forces."

The post Kim Jong Nam Murder Case Moves to Malaysian High Court appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Cyclone Brings Destruction to Burma Refugee Camps in Bangladesh

Posted: 29 May 2017 10:47 PM PDT

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh — A cyclone battered refugee camps in Bangladesh on Tuesday where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims from Burma have taken refuge from violence at home, as authorities moved at least 350,000 Bangladeshis out of harm's way.

Cyclone Mora struck the island of Saint Martin and Teknaf in the coastal Bangladeshi district of Cox's Bazar, where officials said some 200,000 people were evacuated to shelters. In Chittagong district, about 150,000 people were evacuated.

The islands are a few miles from the Burma border, and the refugee camps for Rohingyas who have fled their homeland.

Shamsul Alam, a Rohingya community leader, told Reuters that damage in different camps was severe with almost all the 10,000 thatched huts in the Balukhali and Kutupalong camps destroyed.

"Most of the temporary houses in the camps have been flattened," Alam said.

Omar Farukh, a community leader in Kutupalong camp, said conditions were dire: "Now we're in the open air."

Officials in Chittagong reported winds gusting up to 135 kph (85 mph), and said low-lying coastal areas were flooded by a storm surge with waves 2 metres (7 feet) high.

Flights in the area were cancelled.

Last October, following a Burma Army operation launched in response to insurgent attacks, an estimated 74,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh where they joined more than 200,000 who have taken refuge there over the years.

The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

In predominantly Buddhist Burma, where Rohingyas are officially denied citizenship and classified as illegal immigrants, about 120,000 of them have been internally displaced by communal violence over recent years and are living in camps.

'We're Worried'

A UN official working with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said the damage in the camps could not be assessed while the storm was raging.

"Heavily pregnant women have been evacuated but most people in areas like Balukhali and Kutupalong makeshift settlements have stayed," said the official, who declined to be identified.

"The winds are strong and people there live in flimsy structures, so we're worried."

In Burma, about 300 houses were damaged in Arakan State but the extent was unclear, the government said.

But Bangladeshi weather officials said the cyclone was not as bad as they had feared.

"The severity was less than the apprehension," Shamsuddin Ahmed, a weather official based in Chittagong said.

The cyclone was expected to weaken in Bangladesh by late morning as it moved inland towards India where authorities have warned of heavy rain in the northeastern states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

The cyclone formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off India's southern tip, killing at least 180 people in recent days, authorities said.

In the eastern Indian state of Bihar, 24 people have been killed in recent days, either by lightning or in collapsed dwellings.

The southwest monsoon reached the Kerala coast of southwest India on Tuesday.

This article has been updated.

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Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week (May 29 – June 4)

Posted: 29 May 2017 07:56 PM PDT

Junction City Fashion Week | May 30 – June 4

Enjoy fashion shows, in-store activities and pop-up stores, as well as lucky draw giveaways and celebrity appearances at this event.

May 30-June 4, 12 pm-3 pm. Junction City, near Bogyoke Market, Pabedan Tsp.

Cover Songs Night | June 3

A sing-along to cover songs from The Four, Youn Ni Ko and Khaing Pwint.

June 3. 8 pm until late. Yangon Yangon Rooftop Bar. Admission Fee: 7,000 kyats

Parami Talk Series | May 31

Hosted by Parami Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Daw Win Win Tint, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Burma and the founder of City Mart Holdings Ltd, will give talks on entrepreneurship.

May 31, 6 pm-8pm. Parami Institute, 3rd Floor, Shwegone Plaza, Shwedagon Junction, Bahan Tsp. Registration at 09-5114004, 09-795257125. Seats are limited.

Home Expo | June 1-4

Household appliances, furniture, and bathroom facilities will be sold at a discount at this expo.

June 1-4, 9.30 am-8.30 pm. Ga Mone Pwint, Hledan (San Yeik Nyain) Branch.

Screening: K2 and the Invisible Footmen | May 31

K2 and the Invisible Footmen documents the unsung efforts of Pakistani porters, who for decades have facilitated the ascent of the Earth’s second-highest mountain.

May 31, 7:30 pm-9 pm. Myanmar/Art, No. 98, 3rd Floor, Bogalayzay St. Free Admission.

Afternoon of a Foehn | June 2

As part of La French Touch Festival, the Institut Français de Birmanie is glad to welcome Non Nova Company for two exceptional performance shows in Yangon & Mandalay.

On stage: a series of ingeniously arranged table fans, an intriguing puppeteer, and dozens of plastic bags. A foehn wind is created by the turbines that surround the stage. Simple grocery bag characters come to life and flutter to the opening notes of Debussy's famous prelude in the flow of air orchestrated by the puppet master. Blowing in the wind, they perform an amazing choreography that surprises and delights. Book in advance at reservation@institutfrancais-birmanie.com.

25 minutes | Suitable for ages 5+

June 2, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm. National Theater, Myoma Kyaung Street. Adult: 5000Ks | Students and Under 16 y/o: 3000ks. Seats are limited—there are 105 per performance).

James Cook University Education Fair | June 3

This event is for students interested in enrolling in Singapore's branch of Australia's James Cook University. Registration at Tel: 09-5062171, 09-777223299.

June 3, 2 pm-4pm. Pinya Hall, Sule Shangri-la Hotel.

Live American Rock: Ayeyarwady Delta Daredevils | June 2

Heavy duty Americana rock, spiced with a unique blend of bluegrass, hip-hop and traditional music. Catch the season-ending Ayeyerwaddy Delta Daredevils show at 50th Street Bar!

June 2, 8.30 pm-11 pm. 50th Street Café Restaurant and Bar, 50th Street, Botataung Tsp. Free Admission.

Yesterday's Tomorrow | May 29-31

This is the third solo exhibition of artist Nay Sun hosted by the Yangon Gallery. "Yesterday's Tomorrow" is another milestone for the artist which shows his passion for drawing as well as the endless creations featured in his artworks.

May 29-31, The Yangon Gallery, Pyay Road, People Park & Square, Sanchaung Tsp.

Dear June | June 1-4

A trio art exhibition by Aung Kyaw, Soe Min Tun and Min Kyaw Swar will showcase more than 20 acrylic and watercolor paints.

June 1-4. Could 31, 31st Street.

The post Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week (May 29 – June 4) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Myanmar coffee exports to stimulate agro sector

Posted: 29 May 2017 02:14 PM PDT

The government has placed emphasis on the diversification of crops which have wide international markets access, in addition to paddy, and it hopes to increase coffee production.

Employers urged to give jobs to the blind

Posted: 29 May 2017 02:11 PM PDT

The visually impaired in Myanmar are finding it difficult to gain employment, according to the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities (MFPD).

Sexual harassment, the hidden scourge of Myanmar women

Posted: 29 May 2017 02:01 PM PDT

It was a rude awakening for 22-year-old medical student Yadanar.

Govt, ethnic groups sign 33 agreements at the end of second Panglong

Posted: 29 May 2017 01:53 PM PDT

The government and ethnic armed groups signed a total of 33 agreements at the conclusion of the 2nd round of the 21st century Panglong conference that is expected to move forward the peace talks aimed at ending decades-old pocket wars in the country.

Grade 9 subjects to be set at the end of June

Posted: 29 May 2017 01:45 PM PDT

The Yangon Regional Educational office has said that the major subjects for Grade 9 will be set by the end of June.

609 cases of electricity theft in 10 months

Posted: 29 May 2017 01:38 PM PDT

The Ministry of Electricity and Energy revealed that there were 609 cases of illegal electricity consumption from April, 2016 to January, 2017.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

‘No-secession from Union’ wording dominates 21CPC

Posted: 29 May 2017 11:46 PM PDT

The right of secession from the Union of Myanmar and the drafting of constitutions for individual states and regions were the stumbling blocks at the second round of the Union Peace Conference, or 21st Century Panglong Conference (21CPC) as it has been unofficially dubbed.
The talks in Burma's capital Naypyidaw, hosted by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, broke up yesterday – after being extended for an extra day – with no breakthrough on the deadlock.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday after the official closing ceremony, Suu Kyi addressed the issue of negotiations between the government's Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), ethnic political parties (EPPs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), saying that "in some cases, negotiations may be smooth and relaxed, but in a different context they can be rather challenging."
Also speaking to reporters on Sunday, Khun Myint Tun, the president of Shan State-based EAO the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), said, "A political discussion on the wording of 'no-secession from the union' dominated this morning's session. Obviously, there is a need to seek a neutral terminology that is acceptable to everyone.
"As controversy widened, we decided to drop it from the agenda but rescheduled the matter for debate in the next round of the 21CPC."
However, according to Zaw Htay, a representative of the government's Peace Commission (PC) negotiating team, it would be inappropriate to put a highly controversial subject such as the right of secession on the negotiation table at this time.
He noted that, at the UPDJC Secretariat meeting, only 12 of the 21 points for debate had been agreed to date.
"Of the 21 points on the agenda for debate, an agreement was made on only 12," he said at the press conference. "The main talking point here is that the general public cannot take many positives from these results. A key issue is whether ethnic states shall have the right to secede from the Union. Negotiations and counter-negotiations were made back and forth between the EAOs and the government's representatives. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi today [May 28] declared that the debate over the 'right of secession' be rescheduled for the forthcoming round of political dialogue at the UPDJC Secretariat meeting in Naypyidaw."
A right to secede from the Union of Burma was written into the original Panglong Agreement in 1947 between Suu Kyi's father, Gen. Aung San, who was representing a future Burmese government, and ethnic leaders.
The 1947 Panglong Agreement, signed in Panglong, southern Shan State, stated that "all states shall enjoy equal rights and status; otherwise, after 10 years of Union, the Constitution of the Union of Burma 1947 guarantees that the right of secession can be exercised under the clauses: 202; 203(1); and 203(2)."

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Monday, May 29, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

State Counselor: Peace Conference Agreements ‘A Significant Step’ for Burma

Posted: 29 May 2017 07:10 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW – The stakeholders' negotiations at the Union Peace Conference (UPC) "mark a significant step" toward future democratic federalism, said the State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the closing ceremony of the second 21st Century Panglong in Naypyidaw.

Despite encountering disagreements over the basic federal principles of equality and self-determination—among the government, the political parties, the Tatmadaw and the ethnic armed organizations—the members of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) who organized the event are optimistic that the conference achieved its aims "to some extent."

Over the weekend, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the chairperson of the UPDJC, participated in negotiating the key terms of the federal principles, such as those concerning cessation from the Union and equality between the Tatmadaw and the ethnic armed organizations.

"The agreements that we have been able to sign today mark a significant step on our path toward peace, national reconciliation, and the emergence of a democratic federal Union," said the State Counselor. "Reaching these agreements has not been easy; we have encountered moments of disappointment as well as inspiration along the way."

"Yet I am greatly encouraged that despite our many different views and perspectives, we have been able, through frank discussion and negotiation, to reach common positions," she added, stating that the foundations for democracy and federalism for future generations have been laid through dialogue.

After the negotiations, stakeholder representatives from the government, Parliament, the Burma Army, political parties, and ethnic armed groups who were signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) agreed to 37 of 41 basic federal principles and signed part 1 of the Union Accord on Monday.

The first part of the accord was signed by Dr. Tin Myo Win, the chairman of the Peace Commission; U Tun Tun Hein, the chairman of Lower House's bill committee; Lt-General Tin Maung Win; Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win, the vice chairman of Karen National Union; and U Thu Wai, the representative of the political parties.

However, key principles regarding equality, self-determination and federalism have not yet been included in the accord, and delegates said further discussion would continue in this regard.

U Yaw Thet, the chairman of the Lahu National Development Party said that the UPC at this point served as a forum to collect perspectives. "It is not yet easy to make any concrete decisions as not every group is participating in the process yet."

The debate about the term "non-cessation from the Union" was not settled and the Tatmadaw wants a commitment from the ethnic armed organizations that they pledge not to separate from the state.

Daw Saw Mra Yar Zar Lin, a UPDJC secretary and member of the Arakan Liberation Party said they had agreed to the signing of the first part of the Union accord, but that each of the armed groups did not need to sign on its own.

She said, "It cannot be said that ALP is pleased about the outcomes, because we are being suppressed, and we could not fully bring our people's desires [to the UPC]," referring to not being able to conduct the ethnic-based national level political dialogue in Arakan and Shan states.

"But we contributed to the discussion over general principles, which reflected the people's desires," she explained, adding that Monday's agreement is just a part of the Union accord, which can be further reviewed and revised.

The eight ethnic armed organizations—the NCA signatories—also discussed during the six-day conference how they will move forward in the peace process, despite holding different opinions than the Tatmadaw.

Lt-Col Sai Ngern of the Restoration Council of Shan State said that they "had compromised with understanding, in order to keep the peace process ongoing."

"We have also begun to learn how we might be able to create unity out of diversity," Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said, adding that "we can find similarities despite our differences and we can identify common ground through peaceful negotiation."

She urged the public "to continue actively along the path of peace and to remain focused on the future," to end the decades-long conflict in the country.

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Ma Ba Tha Lay Members Announce Plan to Form Political Party

Posted: 29 May 2017 04:54 AM PDT

RANGOON — Leading laypersons from Burma's biggest Buddhist nationalist group, the Association to Protect Race and Religion—commonly known as Ma Ba Tha—have announced that they will soon form a political party.

Maung Thway Chon, one such Ma Ba Tha member, revealed the plan on Sunday after the association's two-day meeting in Rangoon.

"We will set up a party named '135 United Patriots.' We came to a consensus from all the laymen who attended today," he told the media on Sunday. He is also the president of Dhamma Wunthanu Yakhita, a Ma Ba Tha sub-chapter.

He explained that the party aims to work for national interests, unity and sovereignty. Maung Thway Chon also said that the party would provide Burmese citizens with different faiths equality with Buddhists—yet leading Ma Ba Tha monks, such as U Wirathu, are notorious for engaging in anti-Muslim hate speech.

Due to these practices, the state Sangha committee, Ma Ha Na, recently ordered that Ma Ba Tha cease all activities, including use of its name.

"We have agreed to Ma Ha Na's request, as we respect them," Maung Thway Chon said. "But if there are more accessions, it will have an impact on nationalism. We have to protect religious associations as well as Buddhists," he told The Irrawaddy.

When asked about the meaning of the number 135, he explained: "One stands for Buddha, three for Three Gems [the three cornerstones of Buddhism: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha], and five represents the five infinite venerable entities [Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, Parents and Teacher]."

On Sunday after the two-day meeting with members from across the country, the association released an announcement that they would "no longer use [the name] Ma Ba Tha, but would go by the Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation," rebranding themselves as a charity group.

"We urge all Ma Ba Tha groups across the country to keep carrying out the interests of country, race and religion under the Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation name," the statement read.

Maung Thway Chon said Ma Ba Th has a membership of 10 million people in nearly 300 townships across the country.

"It doesn't mean that they all have to be members [of the new political party]. If they want to protect race and religion, they are welcome. Non-members are encouraged to join as well," he said.

On Monday, Ashin Sopaka, a leading monk from Ma Ba Tha, said the political party in the pipeline is a separate movement initiated by patriotic forces and has nothing to do with Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation or Dhamma Wunthanu Yakhita.

 

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Phaung Daw Oo Monastic School Wins Citizen of Burma Award

Posted: 29 May 2017 04:48 AM PDT

RANGOON—Phaung Daw Oo Monastic School in Mandalay, led by Buddhist monk Sayadaw U Nayaka, has been named this year's recipient of the Citizen of Burma Award.

The award is given annually by Burmese living abroad in honor of those who work for the benefit of Burmese society. It was announced on Sunday in Colorado, US.

The school principal and abbot of Phaung Daw Oo Monastery, Sayadaw U Nayaka, is known for developing a teaching method radically different from what is often encountered in Burma's moribund public education system.

Phaung Daw Oo Monastic School provides free education and health services to some 9,000 students. The center is well known for its child-centered approach.

The US-based Citizen of Burma Award organization also honored three other individual and community-based organizations: social worker Ko Soe Htike, who cofounded the single mother support center Myint Mo Myittar; Save the Library in Myanmar; and Ko Aye Kyaw Kyaw, an electrical engineer based in Rangoon.

The Citizen of Burma Award comes with a US$10,000 prize, while the special award winners receive $1,000 from the award committee.

"Sayadaw [U Nayaka] is happy to receive the award. He said it's a recognition for his work and a strength to continue," Buddhist monk, U Tayzaw, an assistant to Sayadaw U Nayaka, told The Irrawaddy. The monk added that the prize would be spent on their work in Burma's education system.

The first recipient of the award, which was inaugurated in 2010, was Free Funeral Services Society founder Kyaw Thu. Last year, it was given to Dr. Than Min Htut, who provides health care and promotes reproductive health access in rural villages in Shan State.

Thirty-seven people and organizations were nominated for the award. The nominees include assassinated NLD legal advisor U Ko Ni; taxi driver Ko Nay Win, who gave his life trying to apprehend the assassin of U Ko Ni; Burmese journalist Ko Swe Win; U Myat Thu Win, chairman of the Shwe Minn Tha Foundation, which helps people with disabilities; human rights activist U Aung Myo Min and others.

A formal award ceremony will be held on June 4 in Rangoon.

 

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Burma Army Accused of Torturing, Killing Three Kachin Civilians

Posted: 29 May 2017 04:38 AM PDT

MANDALAY — The bodies of three Kachin men allegedly tortured and killed by Burma Army troops were returned to their families on Monday after undergoing post mortems, according to a village administrator.

Nhkum Gam Awng, 31, Maran Brang Seng, 22, and Labya Naw Hkum, 27, from Maihkawng IDP camp in Mansi Township, Kachin State, were arrested by Battalion 319 on May 25 and their bodies were found on May 28.

Maihkawng village administrator U Naw Bauk said one of the men had a bullet wound in his leg and described extensive head injuries to all three men.

"We also found knife wounds on their bodies," he said. "We believe they were violently tortured."

The men were arrested at Hka Pra Yang village, about three miles from the IDP camp, while they were collecting firewood, according to camp officials.

"A boy who accompanied them came back and told us that they were arrested by the soldiers of Battalion 319," said U Brang Nu, an official of Maihkawng IDP camp.

"As the villagers told us they heard the gun shots later that day, the men's families and friends went searching for them and found their bodies, which were buried about five miles from Hka Pra Yang village," he added.

Police investigating the crime took the bodies to a hospital in Mansi Township on Monday morning for post mortems and returned them on Monday afternoon. Officials did not say when the post mortem results would be available.

Locals said this was the first incident of murder in their area.

"There are no other armed groups moving in this area besides the army. We are now very afraid to live here. We believe the army will take action against the ones who committed this crime," said U Brang Nu.

The Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion 502, based in Mann San village in northern Shan State's Kyaukme Township, were accused of killing three men on April 9, following fighting in the area between the Burma Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

Sources said the causalities—an ethnic Bamar from Shwebo Township in Sagaing Division and two ethnic Shan from Kyaukme—were not members of the TNLA but were in fact local villagers who often worked as drivers in the township.

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The Wa’s Zhao Guo An: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Wants to Achieve Peace in Her Lifetime

Posted: 29 May 2017 04:33 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW — Seven ethnic armed groups based close to the China-Burma border area led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) attended the second session of the 21st Century Panglong held in Naypyidaw last week.

Were it not for China, they would have left Naypyidaw immediately after their arrival because of problems over the "status" in which they joined the conference.

In an exclusive interview with Irrawaddy reporter Kyaw Kha, Zhao Guo An, head of UWSA external affairs and secretary general of the Wa-led committee known as the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), talked about difficulties in attending the peace conference, talks with Burma's State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's opening speech, and the role of China in Burma's peace process.

What did ethnic leaders discuss with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?

The discussion did not focus on serious matters; it was to cultivate a relationship.

Did you present the bloc of northeastern armed groups' policy [adopted at the 4th Panghsang Summit in April] to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?

We presented it to her through Dr. Tin Myo Win on May 25. She did not have time to study it, not to mention to respond to our policies. She has to make a goodwill visit to Canada on June 2. We understand she is busy. So, I don't think she has had time to read it all. Her stand is that she wants to achieve peace while she is alive. She said we are old and over 70 now and we don't know how long we are going to live. Therefore, she will work resolutely to build peace while she is still alive.

What has changed since you last came to Naypyidaw for the peace conference?

There was not much difference. Last time, we walked away because of the 'observer' card. This time we got a 'delegation' card, but, in the end, we could not take part in discussions like the last time. Though we got 'delegation' card, there was a problem with the seating plan. The seats they [the government] arranged for us carried labels reading 'special guest.' So, we decided to leave the conference hall. But then, the organizer removed those labels. The organizer said they attached those labels to prevent others from sitting there.

What were the demands of the UWSA-led bloc in order to join the 21st Century Panglong peace conference?

We clarified our demands to China before coming. China said our demand would be fulfilled. We said we would not go [to Naypyidaw] if we were not officially invited and if we were not allowed to talk at the conference, and that we would not sign a deed of commitment (DoC).

Can you explain how China mediated the attendance of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance (MNDAA)?

We don't know how China handled this. We are subject to frequent lies concerning this. While we were arranging for a visa at the Burmese Consulate in China's Kunming, we said we would not attend unless we were invited as the FPNCC. China promised to try, and said we would be able to attend as fully-fledged delegates, and not observers or guests.

China also promised it would make sure we were able to give an opening address and that we needn't sign the DoC. China negotiated with us on May 21, but the conference was scheduled to start on May 24, and we needed time to make preparations. They [Burma government] usually play that trick—they only made arrangements when the conference was too close. This made it difficult for us to attend. Our assessment is that they wanted to create a situation in which they invited us, but we did not attend.

On the evening of May 22, we went to the Burmese Consulate in Kunming for our visas. An officer at the consulate said the invitations for those three groups (the TNLA, the MNDAA, the AA) had arrived. Those groups were addressed as observers on the invitations. So, they said they would not go. Then we held a meeting, and China said it would make sure we would get official [delegate] cards and speak at the conference, and that Burmese officials would not pose an obstacle.

As we support the One Belt One Road project jointly implemented by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and appreciate China's mediation, and as a manner of cooperating with the National League for Democracy-led government's peace efforts, we decided to go to Naypyidaw first, anyway, and act according to the circumstances there.

When we arrived in Naypyidaw on May 23, we found that they played the same trick as the first conference [in August last year]. The invitations were similar to those of the first time; we knew that they were still playing us.  So, we told China that we would not attend. China, through its embassy to Burma, negotiated with the Burmese government until 1 a.m. on May 24, and then we got invitation cards as official delegates. In the end, we could come here as a group for the first time, and we view this as a success, and a step forward to future negotiations.

We understand that the peace issue can't be solved within one or two years. Eight groups signed the NCA under U Thein Sein government. But we have our own version of the NCA, which we designed by changing some provisions in the original NCA. If the government would agree to our version of the NCA, we would consider signing it.

The NCA that those eight groups signed does not guarantee peace. Take a look at the RCSS [Restoration Council of Shan State]—according to [RCSS leader] General Yawd Serk, more than 200 clashes and skirmishes broke out even after signing NCA. Though we didn't sign the NCA, we have been at peace with the government for some 28 years. The NCA is just a paper agreement, but in essence it contradicts its provisions.

Therefore, there is a need for long-term negotiations. There will be continued debate and political struggle. I believe that all the people in Burma want to lead a stable and peaceful life.

Is it true China pressured some leaders to attend the conference against their will?

China didn't pressure us. Only when there is peace and stability in the region, will the One Belt One Road project be implemented and will there be regional development. If everyone understands this, highways and hydropower projects, for example, will bring about mutual benefits. If the One Belt One Road project is implemented successfully, there will be great benefits for not only our country, but also our region.

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing implied in his address to Panglong that the only way to peace is through the NCA. What is your view?

It is not a problem. He has his own stand and we have our own stand. If we have the same stands, there won't be conflicts. It is not strange. We will meet frequently and negotiate in the future to find an answer. The negotiations ahead to ensure internal peace and a stable life for people will be more difficult. If both sides are willing to meet the other half way and strike a deal, then we will be able to reconcile.

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UWSA Steadfast in Stance on NCA Amendments

Posted: 29 May 2017 03:28 AM PDT

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) remains steadfast in its stance that the current nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) needs to be amended regardless of Burma Army statements to the contrary.

The country's most powerful ethnic armed group released a paper to the media at the start of the second session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference on May 24 about its attempts to negotiate with the Burma Army regarding the NCA.

The UWSA sent a draft NCA to the Burma Army and the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) in March, following an ethnic summit hosted in Panghsang, the Wa administrative capital.

Wa sources say the Burma Army never responded to the draft.

Efforts to expand the current number of NCA signatories have faltered and conflict persists in the north, despite previous bilateral ceasefire agreements with some groups in the region.

The Wa did not participate in the initial drafting of the NCA as it had a longstanding ceasefire with the Burma Army and did not see the efficacy of signing the new agreement.

However, China has placed pressure on the group to accept the NCA and change its political stance, and the Wa sees stability in the region as a path to development.

"If there is no stability in northern Shan, development in the Wa region will be hindered. We call for a stop to fighting between ethnic armed groups and the Burma Army," the statement said.

The Wa was discouraged by the lack of response to their NCA draft and the army's public discourse on the issue.

Burma Army Vice Senior General Soe Win spoke to media in early May and stated, "Not even one word of the current NCA can be changed."

The Wa statement said the army's public statements had shamed them in the media.

"The Wa will not begin fighting easily. We have already expressed our wishes for peace. But if you ignore our wishes, we will have nothing to say about fighting," the statement said.

It continued that the army should have replied privately, as opposed to airing its disagreement publically, showing its disrespect for ethnic groups.

The Burma Army has also expressed its stance that the country only needs one army, which the Wa opposes based on Burma's history.

The Wa paper added that this was a longstanding conflict that will be difficult to solve in a short time.

The post UWSA Steadfast in Stance on NCA Amendments appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The UNFC: From High Hopes to an Uncertain Future

Posted: 29 May 2017 02:37 AM PDT

On its founding in 2011, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) was one of the most formidable blocs of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) Burma had ever seen, with the grand ambition of representing almost all of the country's EAOs during peace talks with the government.

Resignations and suspensions have eroded the alliance's original 13-strong membership to seven since 2014, with further plans for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Wa National Organization (WNO) to leave.

Arguments over which way to approach Burma's peace making process are rattling the bloc. Five of its members—the New Mon State Party (NMSP); the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP); the WNO; the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU); and the Arakan National Council (ANC)—are in favor of signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). But the KIO wants to abandon the NCA.

A trail of criticism followed the Karen National Union (KNU) when it left the bloc in 2014, including accusations of an uneasy proximity to the Burma Army and a lack of solidarity with the UNFC leadership under the KIO.

The KNU argued for a decentralization of power away from the KIO, but the leading member rejected the KNU's proposal, triggering KNU leaders to walk out of the meeting and quit the bloc the next day.

In 2015, the bloc dismissed the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) when they signed the NCA.

In the same year, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA)—resigned from the bloc because they said the UNFC could not offer them protection or help them negotiate with the government.

Leader of the UNFC, the KIO, has shown interest in leaving the bloc to join the China-backed Northern Alliance, which includes powerful EAOs such as the United Wa State Army, the TNLA, and the MNDAA. The departure of the KIO would significantly diminish the military might of the UNFC.

Members of the bloc rejected an invitation to attend the 21st Century Panglong peace conference in Naypyidaw as "special guests," dismissing the status as that of observers who could not participate in the conference's discussions, in contrast to the Northern Alliance, which attended unexpectedly.

The Burma Army and the government will continue to reap political benefits from the discord with the UNFC, as its members are pressured and pushed aside.

As the NCA signatories negotiate with the government and the Burma Army, and the Northern Alliance attempts to carve an alternative way to peace for itself, the future of the bloc remains uncertain.

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