Hello everyone. Starting now, we will present m.CDM’s domestic news roundup.
Today’s main stories are:
- NUG Acting President says efforts will be made to ensure all revolutionary forces participate in the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Union.
- The military commission carried out airstrikes during Thingyan on Pauk Township and Luthaw Township, killing 6 civilians and injuring 18.
- NUG, ethnic organizations, and revolutionary forces attended the 7th Congressional Briefing on Myanmar in the United States.
- Ta’ang civil society organizations and local CDM members strongly condemned the TNLA for sending a congratulatory message to military leader Min Aung Hlaing.
We will also present other related developments.
1. NUG Acting President says efforts will be made to ensure all revolutionary forces participate in the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Union
m.CDM, April 16
On April 16, which marked both the 5th anniversary of the formation of the National Unity Government (NUG) and Myanmar New Year’s Day, Acting President Duwa Lashi La made the following remarks.
He said that the successful formation of the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF)—initially established by the KIO, KNU, KNPP-IEC, CNF, CRPH, and NUG—is a symbol of the Spring Revolution, and that efforts will continue so that forces not yet included in the council can also join.
Acting President Duwa Lashi La explained to the public:
“This is a symbol of the revolutionary unity that has emerged during the Spring Revolution. Unity is essential in a revolution. The formation of SCEF is intended to accelerate the revolution under a unified strategy, rather than having each group fight separately as before.”
He also noted that during more than five years of the Spring Revolution, there have been successful revolutionary achievements, while at the same time there are still situations in which success is being pursued.
He openly acknowledged to the public that the revolutionary journey toward its final goal continues to face many challenges. In his speech, he also said that it has been necessary to struggle through Myanmar’s geopolitical crisis and long-standing historical grievances.
Although the movement still faces difficulties due to the divide-and-rule practices and destructive systems built up by the military over decades, Acting President Duwa Lashi La said that the Spring Revolution has brought about a historic unity, and that the coming together of all ethnic peoples as one is the greatest source of strength.
Regarding the unjust detention of national leaders, he said:
“We have not forgotten for even a minute or a second the situation of our leaders—the State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and all political prisoners unjustly arrested and detained. We firmly demand their immediate and unconditional release.”
He also urged soldiers and officers in the military to break away from the terrorist military as soon as possible.
He said:“The armed forces, which are meant to serve the people, should not ignore the will of the people. Today’s Myanmar military has become the main culprit in destroying peace and stability in our country. Therefore, I strongly urge it to break away as quickly as possible from the disgraceful title of a terrorist army and to restore itself as a military loved by the people.”
2. On the 5th anniversary of the NUG, Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than reaffirms commitment to ending the military’s role in politics and abolishing the 2008 Constitution once and for all
m.CDM, April 16, 2026
Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than of the National Unity Government (NUG) reaffirmed that one of the central political goals of the revolution is to completely eliminate the terrorist military regime’s role in politics and to abolish the 2008 Constitution once and for all.
He made these remarks in an address to the public on April 16, 2026, on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the NUG.
Regarding military leader Min Aung Hlaing’s staged election and self-appointment as president, the prime minister harshly criticized him, saying:
“Aside from changing into the robe of a so-called terrorist president U Min Aung Hlaing, all of his terrorist behavior and practices will continue exactly as before.”
He pointed out that since the coup up to April 10 of this year, the terrorist military has killed 7,972 innocent civilians and continues to detain 22,170 people.
He also said that in March alone, the military carried out 210 airstrike incidents against civilians (917 bombing sorties) and that 483 innocent civilians were killed. He noted that Min Aung Hlaing has designated all those who oppose him as enemies and is carrying out mass killings.
Speaking about the 2008 Constitution, the prime minister said:
“Under this constitution, any political arrangement that emerges will be filled with military domination and privileged impunity, and a Federal Democratic Union will never come into being.”
He also told the international community that accepting such a framework would only prolong an unstable political system.
He stated that during the five years of revolution, implementation of the self-determination of federal units, which is a core essence of building a federal democracy, has already begun. He revealed that efforts are underway to transfer administrative authority and other sectors to the Sagaing Federal Unit, Magway Federal Unit, and Mandalay regional governments that have now emerged.
He also explained that as a recent collective success among revolutionary forces, the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) was established on March 30, and that under SCEF’s leadership, sectors such as military victory, foreign affairs, federal affairs, finance, and security will be strategically coordinated.In conclusion, he said that being able to resist for five years has only been possible because of the active support of the people, and pledged that in this difficult people-powered revolutionary journey, the NUG will continue forward together with the people until the goal of a federal democracy is achieved, while reflecting carefully on its own needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
3. NUG, ethnic organizations, and revolutionary forces attend the 7th U.S. Congressional Briefing on Myanmar
m.CDM, April 16
According to a statement by the event organizer, the Burma Research Institute (BRI), the 7th U.S. Congressional Briefing on Myanmar was held in Washington, D.C., and was attended by the NUG, ethnic organizations, and revolutionary forces.
The briefing was held under the title:
“U.S. Opportunities and Challenges After the Sham Elections.”
It took place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., on April 15 U.S. time / April 16 Myanmar time.
It is reported that the discussion was held with the support of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and that participants could join both in person and online.
At the event, U.S. lawmakers and leaders involved in Myanmar’s democracy movement delivered remarks. Senator Chris Van Hollen also addressed the issue of Myanmar and the role of the United States via video message.
At the discussion, NUG Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than explained the current situation in Myanmar and the next steps ahead. Khun Bae Htoo? Wait—hold. The Burmese says Khun Oo Reh, chairman of the Karenni Interim Executive Council, presented on the situation in Karenni State and the role of revolutionary forces there.
Representing the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), member Daw Phyu Phyu Thin also delivered remarks via video, while Zo Tum Hmung, Executive Director of BRI, served as moderator.
According to BRI’s photo records and statement, those who attended and joined the discussion included Myanmar affairs experts and some ethnic leaders, such as U Kyaw Zaw, adviser to the NUG President; Padoh Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the KNU; U Moe Zaw Oo, adviser to the NUG Ministry of Foreign Affairs; women’s rights activist Daw May Sabe Phyu; and U Tun Khin, chair of BROUK.The event reportedly focused mainly on how the U.S. government should respond to the Myanmar military’s sham election and how it can effectively assist revolutionary forces.
4. NUG Foreign Ministry adviser U Moe Zaw Oo briefs the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C. on the current situation in Myanmar
m.CDM, April 16
The NUG Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that U Moe Zaw Oo, adviser to the ministry, briefed and discussed Myanmar’s current situation at the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.
He attended the congressional discussion on Myanmar organized by the Burma Research Institute (BRI) at the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
The ministry said that at the 7th congressional discussion on Myanmar, held on April 15, U Moe Zaw Oo explained and discussed the current conditions inside Myanmar.
It is also reported that NUG Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than sent a video message to the event, and that attendees included U Kyaw Zaw, presidential adviser; CRPH member Daw Phyu Phyu Thin; Women Advocacy Coalition coordinator Daw May Sabe Phyu; and allied ethnic leaders.In addition, invited participants joining online included officials from the office of Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee, and the office of Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), as well as staff from the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia.
5. Revolutionary organizations call on the U.S. government to reject the military’s election, not ignore Myanmar, and help combat border scam operations
m.CDM, April 16, 2026
At the 7th Congressional Briefing on Myanmar, held in Washington, D.C. on April 15, the NUG, KNPP, and KNU each reportedly urged the U.S. government to reject the military’s election, not to ignore Myanmar, and to help combat border-based scam operations.
NUG Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than urged the U.S. government to decisively reject the Myanmar military’s sham election and to take a strategic stand on the side of the Myanmar people.
He said that the election conducted by the military commission after the coup was merely an attempt to forcibly manufacture legitimacy, and that the country has already reached the level of “state failure.”
He also pointed out that the current situation now threatens not only U.S. national interests but also the openness and freedom of the Indo-Pacific region.
As an alternative path, the prime minister also urged increased engagement with the newly formed Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF), established on March 30 by the NUG, EROs, and democratic forces.
Khun Oo Reh, chairman of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC) and the KNPP, appealed to the international community not to neglect Myanmar because of other global crises such as the conflict involving Iran in the Middle East, and asked that support continue without losing focus.
He further warned that Min Aung Hlaing’s oath-taking as president has no legitimacy whatsoever, and that the military regime’s attempt to entrench its rule by changing into civilian clothing would also threaten U.S. security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
He pointed out that the military commission has been carrying out airstrikes on churches and civilians in Karenni State, expressed gratitude for the $121 million in U.S. assistance proposed for fiscal year 2026, and appealed for it to be further increased for 2027 as well.
Padoh Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the KNU, called on the U.S. government to help combat human trafficking, cross-border crime, and online scam syndicates along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
He openly stated that these criminal syndicates are operating under the protection of the Myanmar military, the BGF, and DKBA armed groups, and that the KNU alone cannot dismantle them.
Therefore, he requested cooperation with the FBI and the Scam Center Strike Force, including intelligence sharing, technical assistance, and financial cooperation in order to break up these networks.He also urged international NGOs to work together with the KNU on the ground in rescuing trafficking victims, providing medical treatment, and repatriating them.
6. Military commission bombs Pauk Township and Luthaw Township during Thingyan, killing 6 civilians and injuring 18
m.CDM, April 16, 2026
It is reported that military commission forces carried out airstrikes on villages in Pauk Township, Magway Region, and Luthaw Township, Mutraw District, Karen State (an area controlled by KNU Brigade 5), killing 6 civilians.
At around 2:30 p.m. on April 16 (Thingyan Atet Day), a jet fighter from Meiktila Shante Air Base dropped a 500-pound bomb directly into the center of Wan Le (Lower Section) village in southern Pauk Township, a village with only about 50 households.
There had been no fighting in the area, and the bombing was reportedly deliberate. A 60-year-old man and one woman were killed instantly, while about 6 civilians were injured.
In addition, local social aid groups confirmed that 2 of the injured are in critical condition, and that 6 civilian homes were destroyed.
Likewise, at around 3:00 p.m. on April 15 (Thingyan Akyat Day), military commission forces reportedly bombed Khe Pa Hta village in Luthaw Township with 2 jet fighters and 2 Y-12 aircraft.
The first two jet fighters dropped 14 bombs, after which the two Y-12 aircraft arrived and dropped approximately 40 more bombs in succession.
During that attack, nearly all the houses in the village were burned down, 4 civilians were killed, and 13 were injured. Since some people remain missing, the number of dead and injured may increase.
It was also reported that at around 10:00 a.m. on April 16, the military commission continued carrying out airstrikes below Day Poe Noh village.Although the terrorist military commission is putting on a show of lively Thingyan celebrations in major cities, it has at the same time been carrying out frequent bombings of villages across revolutionary-controlled areas during the festival period.
7. Ta’ang civil society groups and local CDM strongly condemn TNLA for sending a congratulatory letter to military leader Min Aung Hlaing
m.CDM, April 16, 2026
The Ta’ang Civil Society Organizations Network (TCSN) and Mine Ngawt High School, under the Ta’ang Education Council, issued separate statements on April 16 strongly condemning the PSLF/TNLA for sending a congratulatory message recognizing terrorist military leader Min Aung Hlaing as “President.”
Ta’ang civil society groups said that although they understand the military and political crises currently faced by TNLA leaders, honoring a terrorist military leader who is killing innocent civilians across the country is completely contrary to the political position and aspirations of the Ta’ang people.
TCSN strongly urged TNLA to take into consideration the faces of current CDM personnel, fallen comrades, wounded fighters, and the public, to firmly return to the revolutionary path, and to immediately stop cooperating with and honoring the military regime.
The network also pledged to continue fighting hand in hand with the people until a federal democratic country is built.
Similarly, “A.T.K. Mine Ngawt”, a school in Mine Ngawt Township, Namhsan District, opened and led by CDM teachers under the Ta’ang Education Council, also issued a special statement of condemnation.
The statement pointed out that Mine Ngawt High School has already been destroyed twice by military airstrikes and that its brick walls remain collapsed to this day. It also noted that many other schools in TNLA-controlled areas have been damaged by air attacks.
Therefore, the statement said that it absolutely cannot accept Min Aung Hlaing becoming a nominal president through a fraudulent election according to his own wishes, and warned that all organizations welcoming or honoring him will be specially condemned and recorded as historical offenders.Ta’ang civil society groups also called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, who remain unjustly detained.
8. Humanitarian fundraising event in Korea raises over 100 million won; all funds to be donated for displaced people and emergency humanitarian needs
m.CDM, April 16
Organizers said that a humanitarian fundraising event held in Korea raised more than 100 million won, and that all proceeds will be donated through the NUG for internally displaced people inside Myanmar and other urgent humanitarian needs.
It is reported that what may have been the largest Thingyan celebration in Korea this year was jointly organized by the Anti-Dictatorship in Burma Committee – Korea and the Myanmar Federal Democracy Movement Coalition (MFDMC), with support from the NUG Representative Office in Korea.
The event, a 2026 Myanmar Thingyan humanitarian fundraiser for relief and rescue work inside Myanmar, was held on April 12 at Bupyeong Bunsu Park in Incheon. More than 2,500 people attended, and according to an initial announcement, more than 110 million Korean won had been raised.
This was announced today, April 16, by the NUG Representative Office in Korea.
At the Thingyan event, U Yan Naing Htun, the NUG’s representative to the Republic of Korea, attended and delivered opening remarks, emphasizing that all people should support the newly formed Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union.
After that, the entertainment program featured L Loon War as a guest singer, along with Rainbow Band, Real Feelings Band, K-pop groups, and Myanmar traditional dance and performance groups.At the event, following New Year tradition, donors contributed 26 varieties of traditional satuditha food, and attendees made donations and enjoyed the food, according to the NUG Representative Office in Korea.
The news presented above was contributed by Ko Thit and Lu Lay.