Last week, the new leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) held a press briefing to address Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis. Padoh Saw Tah Doh Moo, the ethnic armed group’s new secretary general, emphasized that Myanmar’s military is the chief obstacle to finding a resolution to the country’s deep-rooted issues.
During the online press conference, Padoh Saw Tah Doh Moo stated that the Myanmar army has been imposing its own version of nation-building since 1962, which is based on military supremacy and utilizes race and religion to enforce its ideas. He stressed that Myanmar is currently grappling with the loss of democracy and a lack of ethnic rights, and these problems cannot be solved one by one but must be addressed simultaneously. However, the primary barrier to progress is the military.
Referring to the current armed resistance movement, known as the Spring Revolution, Padoh Saw Tah Doh Moo highlighted that it is the culmination of a crisis resulting from the failure of successive regimes to adopt a more effective system of governance. He emphasized the urgent need to implement a solution to the root cause of this crisis, which entails establishing a federal democracy and removing the army from politics.
The KNU’s new leadership is determined to lead the way in resolving Myanmar’s political crisis. They firmly believe that building a federal democracy and ending military supremacy are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable peace and ensuring the rights of all ethnic groups in the country.
As we reflect on the 100 days since the election of the new KNU leadership, it is evident that they are resolute in their commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues that Myanmar faces. The military’s stronghold on power has hindered progress for far too long, and it is time for change.
A federal democracy, where power is decentralized and shared among different states and ethnic groups, is a viable solution to Myanmar’s political crisis. This inclusive system of governance would provide a platform for all voices to be heard and would ensure the protection of ethnic rights.
The Spring Revolution has galvanized the people of Myanmar, demonstrating their unwavering determination to fight for a brighter future. The KNU’s new leadership recognizes the significance of this movement and is actively working towards harnessing its momentum to bring about real change.
It is crucial for the international community to support the KNU and the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy and ethnic rights. By standing together and pressuring the military to relinquish its grip on power, we can help pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Myanmar.
