The pursuit of lasting peace in Myanmar has been a continuous endeavour for successive governments, aiming to quell ethnic armed conflicts that have persisted since the nation’s post-independence era. Unfortunately, Myanmar has yet to achieve enduring and comprehensive peace across the nation. These conflicts, rooted in diverse political doctrines, demand political solutions.
To attain sustainable peace and end armed conflicts, the key lies in initiating the peace process within the framework of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Only when all stakeholders commit to this path can the nation achieve its peace process objectives. In the course of Myanmar’s democratization process, ten ethnic armed organizations that have signed the NCA have been actively seeking political solutions to the country’s problems.
Peace represents the ultimate aspiration for all Myanmar’s people, offering the promise of stability, socio-economic advancement, and a better quality of life. To achieve this, they must unite their efforts, focusing on the peace, stability, and regional development initiatives. Given the prolonged duration of armed conflicts in Myanmar, those engaged in the conflict should harmonize their perspectives and assert their rights under the law by actively participating in the political arena.
In the context of Myanmar’s political system, a federal system based on regional autonomy is deemed the most fitting. To achieve this, relevant stakeholders must reshape their organizations to effectively represent their respective regions while pursuing political solutions. The Tatmadaw firmly supports the NCA as a means to kickstart the peace process.
However, some ethnic armed organizations have strayed from the path of peace, resorting to armed struggle. Historical evidence, both within Myanmar’s political landscape and the global stage, underscores that armed struggle rarely leads to the best solutions for peace.
Notably, ethnic armed groups with a focus on the Union’s enduring existence, such as KNU Brigade-7 of Hpa-an District, have opted for a political approach to problem-solving, as indicated in their press release on 14 September.
The entire nation warmly embraces the decision of KNU Brigade-7 of Hpa-an District to seek political solutions. Furthermore, it is imperative that all ethnic armed organizations participate in peace processes to bring an end to armed conflicts that detrimentally affect the socio-economic well-being of the people.
The pursuit of peace in Myanmar hinges on a political resolution through the NCA framework and a commitment to dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders. By prioritizing peace and stability, Myanmar can pave the way for a brighter future characterized by prosperity and harmony.
