KNDF vows to build a federal union based on ‘union-building through strong states’ principle

Mizzima

The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) has announced that it will continue working to establish a federal union based on the fundamental principle of “Bottom-Up Federalism”, building a union by first strengthening individual states.

According to a statement issued after the first KNDF Conference, held on 28 and 29 August, the group will continue to pursue power-sharing in local and state-level administrations, the emergence of a genuine federal democratic government chosen by the people, and the establishment of a single, unified state military force.

The conference was attended by 105 delegates, including central committee members and battalion commanders, during which some leadership changes were made within the central committee, according to KNDF.

The statement also said KNDF is an armed force that will operate under a unified civilian government. It clarified that its current roles and duties within various departments of the Interim Executive Council of Karenni State (IEC) are merely temporary, and that KNDF stands ready to hand over power and responsibilities to a civilian government desired by the public.

KNDF also said it is actively collaborating both militarily and politically with the Spring Revolution Alliance (SRA), the National Unity Government (NUG), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and the Steering Committee for the Establishment of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF).

Despite achieving military success in town-capture battles, the conference statement said challenges remain in fostering unity among revolutionary forces, establishing a precise command structure, and organizing into a single unified military force representing the state.

KNDF also declared its commitment to gaining international trust and recognition for its policies and military code of conduct, and said it would allow international monitoring and assessment of its compliance with military ethics.