KIO conditions dialogue on inclusion of all anti-junta forces

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) said it would be willing to participate in peace talks under junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s current tenure, provided that all resistance forces opposing the coup regime are included.

Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing seized the presidency through a sham election and formed a government composed largely of loyalists. KIO spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu made the remarks in response to speculation that the new-look junta-turned administration under Min Aung Hlaing could resume peace talks with opposition forces.

“The KIO has already expressed our desire to take part in talks that could change the entire political landscape of Myanmar. The resistance-run National Unity Government (NUG), its armed wing, the People’s Defence Force (PDF), and other armed groups, are also operating in KIO areas. If they are not allowed to join the peace talks, the talks won’t be very effective. And just talking to resistance forces in each state on their own won’t be enough to resolve the Myanmar crisis or bring peace. So, if there are going to be peace talks, they’ll only work if all resistance groups opposing Min Aung Hlaing across the country are included,” he said.

On April 20, Min Aung Hlaing announced an invitation to ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) for peace talks within the first 100 days of his administration. He also urged members of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) to lay down their arms.

It has been a month and a half since the junta issued that statement, but there has still been no official invitation to the KIO. Meanwhile, the junta is also preparing to step up its offensive in Kachin State, the KIO’s main area of operation.

“The junta is talking a lot about peace initiatives, but in reality, it still seems more focused on military means. For now, there doesn’t appear to be any prospect of it offering peace to the KIO. That suggests it will continue to rely on military pressure,” Colonel Naw Bu added.

Over the past month, the junta has sent a convoy of 400 vehicles carrying reinforcements, weapons, and supplies into Kachin State, followed by another convoy of 200 vehicles. The convoys reached Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, via the Mandalay–Myitkyina Highway, which the junta recently retook control of.

“It appears the KIO wanted to take part only in a dialogue that included not just itself, but also the NUG and all other armed groups. In that sense, the gap in approach between the junta and the KIO becomes clear. The junta tends to prefer meeting each group separately, while the KIO does not accept that approach. So, while dialogue may be possible in theory, it does not seem practical in reality,” said a political analyst from Kachin State, who requested anonymity.

There is also speculation that the junta’s large-scale reinforcement convoys entering Kachin State could signal that it is putting pressure on the KIO.

In Kachin State, clashes continue almost daily in Hpakant and Bhamo townships. The junta has also deployed large numbers of troops in Waingmaw, Myitkyina, and Shwegu townships, as well as Mabein Township in northern Shan State, prompting speculation that up to six frontlines could emerge between the junta and the KIO.

Most read this week

Sittwe Recruits New Police Constables with Rice and 500,000 Kyat Incentives

May 28, 2026

Insein police accused of inaction over brutal rape of minor in Yangon

May 28, 2026

Junta torches Kyaukkwin Village on Hpapun–Kamarmaung Road

May 28, 2026

Intensified attacks on Kachin State rare-earth sites amid junta’s 100-day military initiative

May 28, 2026

Vehicles stranded on Mandalay–Myitkyina Highway allowed to pass in groups

May 28, 2026

Junta claims efforts underway to develop MSMEs in Arakan State

May 28, 2026