October 15, 2024.
In a statement today, the military leader Min Aung Hlaing announced that the military will continue its nationwide crackdown without addressing the demands for arms. This declaration coincides with the ninth anniversary of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).
Min Aung Hlaing criticized the NLD government for causing significant losses in the country’s budget and internal affairs, claiming that Myanmar nationals abroad are colluding to destroy the nation.
Currently, ethnic armed groups that signed the NCA have reportedly violated their commitments by supporting the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), as well as providing various forms of support to the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). The actions of groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have reportedly worsened the situation.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that instead of pursuing a collaborative democratic path towards nation-building, ethnic armed groups are increasingly focused on establishing separate entities. He emphasized that the military will take further actions necessary to suppress what he termed as “terrorist groups.”
