Wa Become First Ethnic Force to Congratulate Min Aung Hlaing on Presidency

Northern Myanmar’s United Wa State Army (UWSA) became the first ethnic armed group to congratulate junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on becoming president this weekend.

In a bilingual Chinese-Burmese message, the country’s most powerful ethnic army hailed Min Aung Hlaing’s tenure as commander‑in‑chief, claiming he had achieved “remarkable successes” working for national stability, public security and development.

Another co-opted ethnic force on the Chinese border, the Mongla‑based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), quickly followed suit with its own congratulatory note.