Some members of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), have noticeably reduced their participation in the national peace process.Â
The PPST is made up of representatives from 10 ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) who signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), The EAOs that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the PPST include the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the KNU/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLA PC), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), the Chin National Front (CNF), the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) – formed in 2016.
The PPST is tasked with carrying out a nationwide peace process, however, since the military coup of February 1, 2021, some members have reduced their participation.
After February 1, 2021, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA), the Karen National Union (KNU), and the Chin National Front (CNF) withdrew their PPST membership.Â
In early May 2022, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) submitted a letter indicating they would reduce their participation in the PPST group. Likewise, participation from the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) has been reduced.
Observers speculate that the remaining members are unable to lead the PPST and they too will gradually reduce their level of participation.
The Karen National Union (KNU), which is determined to fight the military dictatorship, was a powerful member of the PPST group and they may have already withdrawn from the PPST, said U Yae Tun, a Myanmar political analyst.
“The KNU, which is one of the main groups, does not want to follow the NCA and they have gained the upper hand, so it seems that other groups also want to follow suit,” offered U Yae Tun.
Colonel Khun Oaker of the PPST, suggested that one reason for declining engagement may be due to individual issues.
Colonel Khun Oaker Said, “There is now a tendency to lean more towards more bilateral discussions rather than group dialogue. Some members do not want other groups to know what they are saying. Personally, I lean more toward bilateral discussions. Representatives can be more independent, there are more and more groups that are prioritizing bilateral relations.”
Some PPST members have openly questioned whether the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is still alive since the military coup.
Chapter 3 of the NCA, addresses the protection of civilians, and it is evident that the military council has routinely violated the agreement by attacking civilians, burning communities, and making people homeless.
The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) and the National Unity Government (NUG), who are both fighting the military council, declared the 2008 constitution was automatically dissolved after the coup d’état. They argue the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), which was based on the 2008 constitution, is null and void.
According to the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) Chair, Dr. Aye Maung, there may be an attempt to form a stronger organization than the PPST.
“After February 1st, 3 groups retreated, leaving just 7 groups. When the remaining 7 came together to discuss the peace invitation, it was as a model. It remains to be seen if a stronger peace process emerges, or if this group of 7 becomes stronger than the former PPST, commented Dr. Aye Maung.
