An interview with 7EAO Alliance spokesperson Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt about the 4th steering meeting
The fourth steering meeting of the 7EAO Alliance—a coalition of seven ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)—was held online on 29 and 30 April. During the meeting, members discussed and agreed upon a five-point plan for a federal democratic transition.
The five-point plan prioritizes a nationwide ceasefire with all stakeholders without preconditions. It also calls for securing prior commitments from stakeholders, as discussions on federal democratic matters will follow.
In addition, the plan includes the formation of a transitional government, the drafting of a federal democratic constitution, and the holding of elections in accordance with the new constitution.
Than Lwin Times interviewed Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson for the 7EAO Alliance, about the first task the alliance will undertake following the meeting, as well as its efforts to ensure the participation of all stakeholders and to achieve lasting peace.
The 7EAO Alliance—comprising the seven ethnic armed organizations that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)—includes the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army – Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), and Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S).
Q: During the two-day meeting, the alliance reviewed and amended the federal transition plan and adopted the next steps for moving forward. What key elements are included in the updated plan?
A: The meeting held on 29–30 April was the quarterly steering meeting of our 7EAO Alliance. These meetings generally serve to review political, military, and economic developments from the past three months. During this session, we concluded that the recent period saw the most severe impacts to date. While the public has already endured four years of ongoing armed conflict, the situation worsened with the earthquake that struck Sagaing on 28 March —a natural disaster that added to the suffering. Despite these challenges, we were able to establish a five-point roadmap for a federal democratic transition. Drawing from discussions within the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), we identified and adopted a plan that aligns with the current political landscape. A central component of this plan is a nationwide ceasefire without preconditions from all relevant parties.
Another point is to get a prior commitment to federal democracy. The third point is to form a government during the transition to federal democracy. The Number 4 is to draft a federal democratic constitution. The last point is to hold nationwide elections in accordance with the emerging constitution. We were able to discuss and agree on the five-point roadmap.
Q: Of the five steps outlined, should we first implement a ceasefire that includes all stakeholders? Or, which of the five steps should be prioritized?
A: The country has been affected by more than four years of armed conflict. As everyone knows, the damage, suffering, and losses have been immense. I believe this is the worst we’ve experienced throughout our history. I believe the Sagaing earthquake is the most devastating we have experienced in our history. It struck at a time when people are already suffering from man-made disasters—and now, on top of that, they are facing the added burden of a natural catastrophe. At a time when we are also facing natural disasters beyond human control, and when humanitarian works are most needed in response to the resulting devastation, we believe it is only right that we make a genuine effort to reduce and ultimately end the armed conflicts. If all relevant stakeholders could come together—without imposing any preconditions—to work toward a nationwide ceasefire, it would be a meaningful step in addressing the nationwide crisis we are currently facing. Because we see that it can greatly contribute to the rest of the process, as I said earlier, we should prioritize the ceasefire.
Q: How should the decisions made by the alliance be communicated to all relevant stakeholders, including the State Administration Council (SAC), resistance groups, political parties, China, and ASEAN?
A: The military sphere is currently very large and expanding, while the political sphere is almost non-existent. There are many challenges and difficulties. This is the reality. The number of relevant parties we are dealing with now is much larger than in the past. Back in 2013 and 2014, there were only about 20 ethnic armed groups. Now, in addition to the ethnic armed groups, there are also many armed groups emerging among the public. Given that all relevant parties would need to be involved in implementing this plan, we understand that there will be many challenges. Although there are challenges, we prefer to start from where we can, rather than doing nothing. There are political forces and political parties that engage with the 7EAO Alliance. We will also make efforts to engage with CSOs and other ethnic armed groups.
While the 7 EAO Alliance’s steering team holds meetings every three months, the executive committee meets weekly as usual. Therefore, the method of meeting will likely be explored through organizational meetings. We will meet with international individuals or organizations we are engaging with and strive to explore potential pathways forward.
Q: Is there a possibility that your alliance will act as a mediator between the military council, the EAOs, and the resistance groups in order to facilitate a potential ceasefire? Or will mediation be carried out through regional organizations like ASEAN instead? What are the alliance’s considerations or thoughts on this matter?
A: We also understand that initiating a path forward through dialogue will come with many challenges. Politically speaking, the outlook is quite bleak. We understand that, with armed conflict and civil war taking center stage, there will be many challenges ahead. It’s a man-made civil war. We have endured more than four years of armed conflict, and now, on top of that, we’ve also suffered from a natural disaster. Just as the relevant organizations are working to respond effectively to the impact of the natural disaster, I personally feel that there could also be growing thoughts to reduce and eventually end the man-made armed conflicts. There will, of course, be challenges. However, this is a process that is necessary and worthwhile—so that’s how we see it. At this time, following the earthquake, there is also increased international interest—particularly from neighboring countries—in recovery and reconstruction efforts compared to before. With the increased visibility of international cooperation, we aim to seize this opportunity to address the ongoing armed conflict that the entire country is facing. By combining the support of the international community with our own efforts, and working together, we believe we can create a path forward to overcome this crisis.
Q: Finally, given the increased focus on Myanmar’s situation following the earthquake, to what extent is it possible to implement each of the plans decided by the alliance? And when can we expect to see these plans put into action?
A: There is no way we can implement this with just seven groups. We fully understand that overcoming crises requires the involvement of all relevant individuals and organizations. The scope of this need is broad and complex. That’s why it’s such a large, broad process. In order to overcome the unprecedented and severe crisis our country is currently facing, how can we—just from within our seven-member group—carry out the necessary work that requires cooperation with all relevant stakeholders? What I mean by saying this is that regardless of the circumstances, there is hope that if these five plans can be implemented, they may lead to breakthroughs. These are not actions we can take alone. These are processes that necessarily require coordination, consultation, and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders in order to move ahead together.
Ultimately, it all depends on how far we are able to engage in dialogue and coordination with all relevant stakeholders. Only then will we be able to exactly say when, how, and with what outcomes these efforts can be realized.
Sent by Than Lwin Times