Conflicts of Interest and Frictions Among Ethnic Armed Groups

Myanmar Spring Chronicle – April 30 Overview
MoeMaKa, May 1, 2025

Conflicting interests and tensions between ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) existed even before the February 2021 military coup. However, since the coup, the shifting dynamics of war and expanding territorial control have intensified rivalries and occasional clashes between some groups.

Post-coup, we have seen positive developments, such as military coordination and mutual support among some EAOs. But intra-ethnic rivalries—particularly where two armed groups claim to represent the same ethnic community—have also resulted in conflict.

Examples:

Among the Pa-O, two factions—the PNO/PNLA and PNLO/PNLA—have had frequent clashes.
Among the Shan, the RCSS and SSPP have long been rivals, despite announcing non-aggression pacts post-coup. Occasional fighting still occurs.

Sources of Conflict

Among ethnically different EAOs, conflicts often arise over:

Territorial control
Taxation rights
Recruitment
Natural resource extraction

In late April, there were reports of 8 military clashes and 24 armed confrontations between the MNDAA and SSPP in northern Shan State, particularly around villages between Lashio and Hsipaw. These frictions occurred in areas where MNDAA had expanded during Operation 1027, while SSPP considers them part of their core territory.

SSPP views areas like Hsipaw, Namkham, and Muse as under its traditional authority. Meanwhile, MNDAA, having captured the territory during 1027, now claims administrative and military control.

Similar Frictions in Northern Shan

Disputes between the KIA and TNLA also continue, particularly over checkpoints and control zones near Kutkai and Namphatka. Clashes over gate fees and access routes have occurred, and in one incident, TNLA forcibly relocated a KIA liaison office in Kutkai. Though both sides later held discussions, no clear outcome has been publicized.

Other Intra-Ethnic Frictions

Among the Chin, frictions have occurred between the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Chinland Council (CC), both of which lead their own armed factions.

Among the Karen, at least five armed groups are active. One collaborates with the junta, while the others operate independently. Occasional low-level skirmishes have been reported.

The Need for Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Despite the existence of regional coalitions, there is currently no unified alliance encompassing all EAOs. Nor is there a well-established, trusted mechanism for resolving disputes peacefully.

Historically, such platforms existed:

The National Democratic Front (NDF/မဒတ), founded in 1976, was one of the most notable multi-ethnic military alliances.
At its height, NDF included up to 12 ethnic armed groups, ranging from the KIA in the north to the KNU in the south, as well as Wa and Lahu in the east and Rakhine forces in the west. The then-powerful CPB (Communist Party of Burma) was notably absent.
After 1988, alliances like the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) emerged, followed by UNFC (United Nationalities Federal Council) and, later, FPNCC (Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee), which remains active.

These platforms, even if limited in effectiveness, provided a venue to defuse internal tensions and coordinate politically and diplomatically.

Where Things Stand Today

FPNCC is still technically active, but its recent role is unclear. Some previous disputes between Shan-based groups were mediated through it, but there’s no public indication it is currently being used to address the latest tensions.
The post-2021 landscape is different from the 1980s and 1990s. In the past, EAOs focused more on survival and defense. Today, they see a real opportunity to expand and govern territory, as the junta’s grip weakens.

As a result, some EAOs are prioritizing independent power building over collective unity. This trend suggests that building a new inclusive coalition may be harder than ever, as groups may be more interested in strengthening their own positions than forming a broader alliance.