The pursuit of lasting peace is a shared aspiration of the entire populace. To achieve this noble goal, it is imperative to halt armed conflicts and prioritize peaceful dialogues. Such a path not only safeguards the integrity of the state but also offers respite to those residing in conflict-ridden regions, alleviating their sufferings and losses.
On 15 October 2015, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). This accord stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the collective desire of the Myanmar people to establish enduring and perpetual peace. Eight years ago, representatives from the government, the Hluttaw (Parliament), and ethnic armed organizations came together to sign the NCA. The event bore witness to the participation of officials from the United Nations, diplomats from the international community, and local observers. It is worth noting that the NCA is a robust agreement that remains in force, undeterred by the passage of time.
It is crucial to emphasize that the door to peace remains open to all Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). They are invited to engage in peace talks, whether with the government or through dialogue with teams despatched by the Tatmadaw. These discussions offer a platform for all parties to voice their aspirations for peace and outline their requirements along the path to reconciliation. The comprehensive adoption of resolutions in these talks brings all stakeholders closer to the goal of establishing durable and perpetual peace.
Recent criticism has arisen, with some armed ethnic organizations asserting that the NCA has been nullified due to alleged voting irregularities in the 2020 multiparty democratic general elections, which led to the Tatmadaw assuming state responsibilities under the Constitution. However, this criticism has been unequivocally rejected by the Head of State. He affirmed the Tatmadaw’s unwavering commitment to the NCA and the Constitution as indispensable pillars in the pursuit of peace.
It is crucial to emphasize that the door to peace remains open to all Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). They are invited to engage in peace talks, whether with the government or through dialogue with teams despatched by the Tatmadaw. These discussions offer a platform for all parties to voice their aspirations for peace and outline their requirements along the path to reconciliation. The comprehensive adoption of resolutions in these talks brings all stakeholders closer to the goal of establishing durable and perpetual peace.
The root cause of internal armed conflicts lies in political issues, manipulation, and the influence of neocolonialist forces. Myanmar’s citizens must engage in a thorough analysis of these factors to effectively address the challenges to peace. It is now incumbent upon the entire nation to set aside animosity and hostility, choosing instead the path of political solutions to secure lasting peace. The people of Myanmar, united in their vision, must relinquish the bitter experiences of instability and embark on a journey towards a future characterized by peace and prosperity.
