12-1-2024 (YANGON) An alliance of ethnic minority armies in northern Myanmar has reached a ceasefire agreement with the ruling military, according to a leader of one of the groups, the TNLA. The discussions involved an envoy from neighbouring China, adding a diplomatic dimension to the negotiations.
The military, which seized power from an elected government in 2021, has been engaged in conflicts with rebels seeking to end its control over their respective regions since late October 2023, leading to heightened violence along the northern border with China.
This joint offensive has presented the most significant battlefield challenge to the military since the coup, causing concerns in China about potential disruptions to border trade and an influx of refugees.
In talks facilitated by Chinese envoy Deng Xi Jin, the Three Brotherhood Alliance agreed to a “ceasefire without advancing further,” as reported by the leader of the TNLA. The leader, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the talks, stated, “From the (alliance) side, the agreement is to refrain from offensive attacks on enemy camps or towns. From the military side, the agreement is not to engage in attacks through airstrikes, bombardment, or heavy weapons.”
The junta in Myanmar has not provided immediate confirmation of the ceasefire agreement. The other two groups in the alliance, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), have not responded to requests for comments on the diplomatic discussions.
