Ceasefire

Representatives from eight ethnic armed groups took part in a training program offered by the Cambodia-based Centre for Peace and Conflict Study from July 7-11. The officials – all of whom represent groups that have signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement – are taking part in a four-part leadership training held by the peace-building centre. P’doh Saw Hla Tun, joint secretary…

With peace still looking elusive and negotiations as fractured as ever, a steering committee established by the ceasefire signatories has agreed to conduct a broad review of the peace process. The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) announced on July 2 that it would undertake the survey. The team, compromised of representatives from the eight ethnic armed groups party to the…

The Karen National Union’s Mutraw District office released a statement supporting the demands of the displaced villagers living on the banks of the Salween River. The KNU statement said that its standing committee supported the displaced villagers “we view their demands as reasonable and fully support them, as these are necessary conditions for genuine and sustainable peace. Major Saw Kler…

Amid much speculation about what can be achieved at the second round of the Union Peace Conference, scheduled to start on May 24, even the ceasefire signatory groups seem baffled. The Restoration Council of Shan State announced that while it will attend the meeting, it will neither submit nor sign any binding proposals or agreements. “Since the second session of…

A member of the Karen State government has objected to a Karen National Union official totting guns in an area of “dual administration”. The KNU signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in 2015, which as they were recently reminded, restricts them from carrying guns in areas not under their control. The Kayin State Minister of Security and Border Affairs sent…

On April 7, the highly anticipated 16th KNU Congress came to an end with the election of a new leadership to drive the organization for the next four years. Unlike many past congresses, the 16th KNU Congress attracted enormous interest from Burma watchers and from the Karen community around the world because many believed that the outcome would have a…

With donor-supplied food rations set to stop soon, internally displaced families in Karen State say they are worried about their future, yet have little recourse. Donors are expected to discontinue food aid at five camps in Karen and Shan states as of September in a move that could affect around 9,000 people. “If the support stops, it will not be…

The expansion of the 20-mile-long dry season road connecting Kyaukyi – Mu-The’ village in the Pago (Pegu) region has been ordered to to stop by the Karen National Union because they claim that little consultation with villagers has been done. Local Karen National Union officials at its Nyaunglebin District office said the road building had been stopped after a meeting…

A report by the frontline humanitarian organisation Free Burma Rangers has said that the war in Kachin and Shan States is escalating. The FBR said in a report dated 29 August 2016 that “clashes and infantry assaults backed by mortar attacks are now a daily occurrence, and civilians are frequently caught in the crossfire.” The FBR said in its report…

In an exclusive interview with Karen News, P’Doh Naw Zipporah Sein, Vice-chairperson of the Karen National Union, discussed the issues and agreements reached at the ethnic armed organization plenary meeting held from July 26 to 30 in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State. Q: Could you tell what issues were discussed during the five days of the Mai Ja Yang meeting?…