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New hopes for Myanmar peace talks: experts  Agence France-Presse - 10 May 2012 A bold move by Myanmar's president to take charge of peace talks with ethnic rebels has revived hope of an end to a war in the far north perpetuated by mutual distrust and vested interests, experts say. Conflict between Myanmar's army and ethnic rebels in Kachin state has raged for a year, displacing around 50,000 civilians and casting a shadow over hard-won government ceasefires in other parts of the country. The reformist regime has now overhauled its negotiating team, putting the president at the helm of the process and removing some elements of the previous delegation seen by Kachin rebels as linked to army hardliners. Experts Nicholas Farrelly (Australian National University), Win Min (Vahu Development Institute in Thailand) and Richard Horsey (independent analyst) express their views on these welcome developments.
Burma: From electoral authoritarian to democratic regime?  Shan Herald - 9 April 2012 Sai Wansai, General Secretary of the Shan Democratic Union, reflects on recent dramatic changes in Myanmar and concludes that: "All in all, the prospect of democratisation and achieving peace have never been so good for the past few decades. In practical terms, as many analyses have pointed out, the smooth process of democratisation will hinge on whether the newly elected MPs will be treated fairly in the USDP dominated parliament, continuing reform process leading to a free and fair election due to be held in 2015, ethnic conflict resolution and the degree of press and opinion freedom of expression be further improved to an accepted international standard." Sai Wansai reveals: President Thein Sein "reportedly said, during his meeting with the Karen National Union (KNU) delegation on 8 April in Naypyitaw, that he considered the KNU as his brethren [rather] than enemy and that the constitution could be amended to give a fair share of political decision-making power for all the non-Burman ethnic groups. This is a far cry from the successive military regimes’ unspoken “total elimination” doctrine, which is deeply rooted in the military mindset." Thein Sein, Suu Kyi meet KNU for the first time - The Irrawaddy 
Developments in Kachin State
Latest Developments
Ending Burma's conflict cycle? Prospects for ethnic peace TNI Burma Policy Briefing No. 8 - February 2012 Since the end of 2011, Burma/Myanmar’s government has held peace talks with all major ethnic armed opposition groups in the country. The talks represent a much needed change from the failed ethnic policies of the last decades. They are a first important step by the new military-backed Thein Sein government, which came into power in March 2011, towards achieving national reconciliation and peace in the country, which has been divided by civil war since independence in 1948. By February 2012, initial peace agreements had been reached with most ethnic armed opposition groups. However, in order to end the civil war and achieve true ethnic peace, the current talks must move beyond establishing new cease-fires. It is vital that the process is followed by an inclusive political dialogue at the national level, and that key ethnic grievances and aspirations are addressed. Failure to do so will undermine the current reform process in the country and lead to a continuation of Burma’s cycle of conflict. Myanmar peace can be reached within three months  Reuters - 15 February 2012 Peace with the rebels, most of whom demand autonomy under what they call a "genuine federal system", has been set by the United States and the European Union as a condition for lifting sanctions on the former Burma, an underdeveloped but resource-rich country that has wilted under international isolation and inept army rule.But Aung Min said the government's motive was not the lifting of sanctions. Nine of 16 rebel groups had signed ceasefire agreements with the government and he expected six more deals to be reached within a few months, including with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of the biggest groups, which the Myanmar military is still fighting.
Interactive Myanmar Ethnic Map The Stimson Center is a non-profit, non-partisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security. Interview with Pu Cin Sian Thang of the Zomi National Congress  Chinland Guadrian - 12 January 2012 As Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party (NLD) decides to re-enter the Burmese political scene, many of the ethnic parties who have stood by the NLD and joined the boycott of the 2010 elections are now in a dilemma. Chinland Guardian’s Salai Nyein Chan talked to Pu Cin Sian Thang of the Zomi National Congress in this exclusive interview. A veteran Chin politician and leader of the Zomi National Congress who was elected in the 1990 elections, Pu Cin Sian Thang has spent a lifetime in Burmese politics. Myanmar Government and Karen National Union sign pact Channel News Asia - 11 January 2012  Myanmar's government and one of the country's most prominent ethnic rebel groups signed a ceasefire on Thursday after decades of fighting, the latest in the country's apparent bids to reform. A delegation of ministers from the capital Naypyidaw and senior members of the Karen National Union (KNU) signed the pact in Hpa-an, the capital of eastern Karen state, scene of one of the world's longest-running civil wars. "The president has said we brothers have been angry at each other for 63 years and he asked us to give the KNU what they want. That's why we came here," said Immigration Minister Khin Yi before the pact was signed in front of reporters.
Chin National Front sign cease-fire deal with government Chinland Guardian - 6 January 2012 The Chin National Front (CNF) has signed a ceasefire agreement with the new Burmese government at the end of a two-day peace negotiation in Chin State capital Hakha. The three-point deal includes the opening up of three CNF liaison offices in Matupi, Thantlang and Tedim Towns, the recognition of Chin State’s northernmost and southern most townships of Tedim and Paletwa as the CNF operational base areas, and the agreement that a date for further discussion with the Union government be decided within two weeks of the day of the signing of the peace deal.
Myanmar and KNU expected to sign ceasefire agreement on 12 January Xinhua - 25 December 2011
In response to the President's call for peace, 10 armed groups including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have so far held talks with the government. Myanmar seeks 'everlasting peace' in three years
Burma orders end to fighting against Kachin Rebels
Interview with Harn Yawnghwe - "Cease-fires are not enough" Humanitarian crisis looms in Kachin State Myanmar reaches peace deal with Shan State Army (South) Sai Wansai: A reformed Burma in the making? Karens (KNU) and Shans (SSA-South) agree informal cease-fire
Beyond Armed Resistance: Ethnonational Politics in Burma (Myanmar) Harn Yawngwhe winds up "fruitiful" tour of home country An exile returns: Interview with Harn Yawngwhe
Change of acquired mindset needed Release of prisoners could speed up democratic transformation Rohingya disappointment over U Tin Oo's Statement Never the twain shall meet
Shan State sign Peace Agreements with Wa and Mongla Special Regions The New Light of Myanmar - 9 September 2011 In discussions held in Keng Tung, Shan State, on 6 and 7 September, Initial Peace Agreements were reached with Wa and Mongla armed groups. Discussions will continue in the Peace-Making Committee to be formed shortly by the Union Government. Further background at this link.
Buddhist Karen Army no more, State media says Marriage or Divorce - Democracy is the key to [the] answer
Shan Herald - 25 August 2011 Henri-André Aye, a Western educated Shan, examines the problems surrounding reconciliation between the Bamar and other ethnic nationalities. Burma calls for peace talks with armed rebel groups BBC News - 18 August 2011
Rejecting Panglong Agreement could reignite extreme type of self-determination Uncertain Futures Kachin Independence Army open fire on vehicle, kill seven, injure one New generation war in Myanmar Nagas in Burma for common aspirations Ethnic Unrest intensifies in Burma
Transnational Institute Policy Briefing - June 2011 Over 11,000 refugees have been displaced and dozens of casualties reported during two weeks of fighting between government forces and the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO). Thousands of troops have been mobilized, bridges destroyed and communications disrupted, bringing hardship to communities across north-east Burma/Myanmar. There is now a real potential for ethnic conflict to further spread. In recent months, ceasefires have broken down with Karen and Shan opposition forces, and the ceasefire of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) in south Burma is under threat. Tensions between the government and United Wa State Army (UWSA) also continue. • The Burma Army's offensive agaiinst the Shan State Army - North - EBO July 2011 • Cease-fire talk with KIO more forward: negotiations continue - 1 July 2011 • US calls for an end to the violence in Kachin State and other regions - 24 June 2011 • Myanmar tilts towards civil war - Brian McCartan - AsiaTimes 29 June 2011 • Burma heads towards civil war - Altsean 29 June 2011 • Burma facing war on all fronts? - Alex Ellgee The Diplomat 7 July 2011 'New' Myanmar, old Challenges
AsiaTimes - 8 June 2011 Ashley South examines the relevance of ethnic issues to the new administration. Tatmadaw columns 'inevitably' counterattack KIA troops Myanmar border clashes spark fear of wider conflict Most analysts say Myanmar's 10-week-old government is not ready to go to war with the militias but is under pressure to secure the dams and pipeline construction sites to appease China, its biggest political and economic ally. Some suggest the Kachin Independence Army, which was shut out of lucrative energy deals between the two countries, might have escalated tensions to force the government to negotiate and offer some financial incentives, such as protection money. "This is mainly about material interests," said Lin Xixing an expert on Myanmar at Guangzhou's Jinan University. "The Kachin also want a piece of the action." Lin said it was likely China would use its diplomatic clout with both the rebels and the Myanmar government. "There is often friction in the area. But I don't think this will become too intense," said Lin. "The Chinese government has good contacts with both sides and will ask them to maintain the security of the frontier lands."
Transnational Institute Burma Policy Briefing No. 5 - February 2011
Political and ethnic exclusions are continuing in national politics. If divisions persist, Burma’s legacy of state failure and national under-achievement will continue. The moment of opportunity of a new government should not be lost. It is vital that the new government pursues policies that support dialogue and participation for all peoples in the new political and economic system. Opposition groups must face how their diversity and disunity have contributed to Burma’s history of state failure. If they are to support democratic and ethnic reforms, national participation and unity over goals and tactics are essential. All sides must transcend the divisions of the past. The New Light of Myanmar - 11 February 2011
An article on the 64th anniversary of Union Day (12 February) castigates the organisers of the '21st Century Panglong Conference'. "They are using a beautiful word 'peace revolution', but in practice they still stick to the hard-line of confrontation and utter devastation. They cling on to the 1990 election results; they do not accept the 2008 Constitution; and they are against whatever the government does." Interview with Dr Aye Maung, Chairman of the RNDP
Agencies - 5 February 2011 Dr Maung, Chairman of the Rakhine Nationals Development Party, was on the vice-presidential shortlist for the Upper House (Amyotha Hluttaw). In this interview he discusses the role of ethnic nationalities. "Don't trivialize the national cause"
New Light of Myanmar - 3 February 2010 In an article on Pages 8, 9 and 10 of the New Light of Myanmar, a contributor criticises plans for a second "Panglong Conference". The idea of excluding the Tamadaw (military) and the parties which won seats in the November 2010 elections is seen as "a cheap political stunt", not a remedy but "a poison for the national reconsolidation process". Unelected persons have the rights in the Constitution to make their voices heard, and "if they believe that their opinions and views win public support, they can take part in the next elections to do politics in the Hluttaws (assemblies)." Note by Network Myanmar: The article is designed to criticize the National League for Democracy and Suu Kyi for seeking to promote such a Conference. Another article on 4 February "Second Panglong Conference verges upon the absurd" continues the attack. The Kalay Myo Declaration of 24 October 2010 - Burmese text
Translation of the Kalay Myo Declaration Senior General Than Shwe lauds Unity in Diversity The New Light of Myanmar - 25 December 2010 At a passing out parade of the Defence Services Medical Academy, Senior General Than Shwe calls on graduates "to build on the national reconsolidation that has been achieved and avoid all thoughts and notions that might lead to the disintegration of the Union." The speech is carried on pages 1, 8, 9 and 10. Note by Network Myanmar: The speech has been interpreted as further regime criticism of the Panglong-2 conference initiative which the National League for Democracy is seen to be promoting. SNDP urges support to consolidate Shan unity Myanmar Times - 20-26 December 2010 The Shan Nationalities Democratic Party has created “unprecedented unity” among ethnic Shan nationals, chairman U Sai Aik Paung told a party conference in Taunggyi last week. The December 13-15 conference brought together about 180 members, including 57 victorious candidates from the November 7 poll. “We have gained unprecedented unity among Shan nationals. We have to continue supporting each other to consolidate the unity we have gained. We also have to cooperate with each other in the economic sector,” U Sai Aik Paung said. The party announced plans to establish a business - the White Tiger Trading Company - in which members would be invited to buy shares . Under the plan, 25 percent of profits from the company would be used to help fund the party’s operations, while the rest would be distributed to shareholders. Note by Network Myanmar: Following the demise of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, the SNDP took over the mantel of Shan political aspirations without any of the confrontation which affected the birth of the National Democratic Force in the wake of the deregistration of the National League for Democracy. In the Lower House, the SNDP won 18 seats (compared with only 8 by the NDF), in the Upper House 3 seats and in Shan State 36 seats. Editorial - 'Like putting a small boat in a larger one' New Light of Myanmar - 8 December 2010 An editorial by 'Ko Myanmar' on page 8 of today's New Light of Myanmar is critical of extra-parliamentary activities by persons 'working for a certain ambition'. Those working for power outside the Constitution may cause chaos and confusion. Note by Network Myanmar: Although not mentioned by name, the deregistered National League for Democracy is clearly targeted. Reuters - 8 December 2010: Myanmar accuses Suu Kyi of cheap stunt' Donald Mackenzie Smeaton (1846-1910) first published 1887
A web edition of the book written by D M Smeaton of the Bengal Civil Service, recently republished by Dodo Press and available from Amazon. ISBN 978-1-4099-4807-0
France 24 International News - 7 March 2008
Two reporters from FRANCE 24 are taken on an unexpected guided tour inside Karen State in Burma to visit the KNU/KNLA Peace Council which last year defected from the main Karen insurgency. A view from the other side of a conflict which is essentially political, with ethnic and religious dimensions.
Karen Nationalist Communities : The "Problem" of Diversity Ashley South
This article examines how, since the colonial period, different actors in and from Burma (Myanmar) have mobilized political support around sometimes competing notions of Karen ethno-nationalism. Christian elites in particular have sought to impose a homogenous idea of Karenness on this diverse society. These concepts and processes have been legitimized by outsiders, including missionaries and (more recently) human rights activists and aid workers. However, attempts to impose Karen unity from above have often proved divisive in practice, and have helped to fuel 60 years of ethnic conflict in Burma. This article also narrates the re-emergence of civil society networks within and between Karen communities over the past decade, and concludes by sketching the outlines of a consociational approach to the problem of Karen unity in diversity.
The Politics of Identity in Myanmar revisited Robert H Taylor : A South East Asia Research Paper 2005
The central importance of ethnicity as the major determinant of political identity in Myanmar's modern history has long been accepted as axiomatic in the literature on the country. But this essay, which reviews Myanmars modern political history in terms of the issue of political identity, suggests that perhaps the past is an inadequate guide to the present, and new hypotheses may need to be posed in order to understand more fully the role of ethnicity in contemporary Myanmar politics. Indeed, it can be argued that Myanmars more than 50 years of independence and largely self-imposed - or most recently, externally mandated - isolation has created new identities that owe less to the past, and more to the willing or unwilling generation of a new focus for primarily political identity for many, if not most, residents of the country. In fact, the question needs to be asked whether 50 years of civil war has not created a nation from the fragments that previously fought over what kind of nation to conceive. While it is too soon to reach firm conclusions, some tentative evidence suggests that this may indeed be the case.
 Burma Centre for Peace and Reconciliation - A new bi-monthly series Briefing Paper No. 1 - January 2012: Burma's Ethnic Ceasefire Agreements Burmese version Briefing Paper No. 2 - February 2012: The Conflict in Kachin State Briefing Paper No. 3 - February 2012: An Uneasy Peace Briefing Paper No. 4 - March 2012: People's Militia Forces Briefing Paper No. 5 - April 2012: Burma's By-elections  Recent Developments in Kokang and Wa States |
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