FPNCC members meet in Wa territory to cement ties

By Admin 14 Mar 2023

DMG Newsroom
14 March 2023, Sittwe

Members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) are holding talks in Panghsang, the headquarters of the United Wa State Army (UWSA), to strengthen the alliance.

Details of the meeting are still unknown, but Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) spokesman Major Sai Phone Han confirmed to DMG that the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the ethnic armed organisations (EAOs).

“Yes, we are holding [the talks] to promote ties between allies. Only some groups are holding talks, and we therefore don’t know details,” said Major Sai Phone Han.

He advised DMG to ask the FPNCC secretary for details. DMG was unable to reach FPNCC secretary Bao Youyi for comment.

The FPNCC, a coalition of seven EAOs mostly based in northern Myanmar, consists of the UWSA, SSPP, Kachin Independence Army (KIA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA).

When asked by DMG, AA spokesman Khaing Thukha said he had no information about the meeting.

The meeting between the FPNCC members follows a meeting between the Chinese special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijung, and the seven EAOs in February.

The meeting is likely to focus on the current political landscape and military matters, according to political analysts.

Veteran Arakanese politician U Pe Than said: “It is time for the FPNCC to meet now, because a Chinese special envoy has visited them. It was followed by the meeting between the Three Brotherhood Alliance — the AA, MNDAA and TNLA. The UWSA is an important organisation regarding China. So, they might be discussing how to avoid getting stuck in the current political landscape.”

The FPNCC was formed in Wa State on April 19, 2017.