IN ANOTHER twist within the political landscape of Myanmar, which is wracked by a brutal civil war, the son of former commander of Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) Gen. Bo Mya today (Jan. 7) declared independence by establishing Kawthoolei Republic, Amarin TV and Naewna newspaper said.
Maj. Gen. Nerdah Mya, who too is a former commander of KNDO, declared independence and the set up of the breakaway state with a provisional government for self-governance at their stronghold on the Thai-Myanmar border opposite Nong Luang subdistrict, Umphang district, Tak province.
This move comes after Nerda Mya founded the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) following a conflict within the Karen National Union’s (KNU’s) executive committee. He said that the establishment of the new state was aimed at continuing the Karen people’s struggle for independence according to traditional ideology and to function as a government managing their sphere of influence.
A statement issued by the Kawthoolei government said the conflict began in 1949, one year after Myanmar gained independence following World War II, and continued for over 77 years under the rule of the Myanmar military government, which is accused of pursuing policies based on ethnic superiority, leading to widespread violence and systemic human rights abuses.
Kawthoolei Republic will establish a democratic system of governance that respects the will of the people and upholds the rule of law, while the new state’s economic system will be based on a free market economy, free from monopolies and open to economic cooperation with the world.
In terms of foreign policy, the Kawthoolei government declared its acceptance of and respect for international laws and conventions aimed at promoting peace, stability, and friendly relations between states, while reiterating its intention to be a responsible member of the international community.
The new government also urged other countries and international organisations committed to peace to provide support in humanitarian, diplomatic and political matters, including considering recognising the new republic on the international stage.
International political analysts commented that the declaration of independence and establishment of Kawthoolei Republic occurred amidst political uncertainty and internal conflict in Myanmar, which continues to affect the stability of the Southeast Asian region.
A key issue for the international community is the response of the Myanmar government, as well as the stance of neighbouring countries and international organisations, on recognising the newly independent state under international law.
CAPTION:
Maj. Gen. Nerdah Mya declaring independence and the set up of Kawthoolei Republic. Photos courtesy of AEC Asian News and published by Naewna
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