Myanmar’s junta has invited anti-regime organizations to peace talks since December to discuss a possible general election. Meanwhile, revolutionary groups hope to make military gains during 2025.
The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) is a coalition of armed groups in Karenni State formed after the 2021 coup as part of the broader resistance movement against the regime.
KNDF chairman Khun Bedu recently talked to The Irrawaddy about possible scenarios in Myanmar’s civil war, the future and the chances of an election.
What changes do you expect in 2025?
The regime has been talking about holding elections and calling for ceasefires with revolutionary groups. However, behind this, the generals aim to maintain power and reestablish centralized authority. This is unacceptable to Myanmar’s people, including us. Clashes will continue in 2025 as a solid political foundation is laid down with public support.
What political and administrative systems could guarantee freedom?
It’s difficult to speak for the entire country at the moment. Our primary struggle is to overthrow the dictatorship. Everyone believes it will eventually fall. However, I don’t know what the future will look like for the whole country.
But in Karenni State, I guarantee freedom for everyone. We can choose the path we want and the system our people want by electing a government democratically, separating the three branches of power [the executive, legislative branch and judiciary] and ensuring everyone can move, trade and speak freely. We aim to establish a political platform that allows people to do business freely without government interference.
We have been building this system [in Karenni State], despite the regime’s oppression. We have assumed the responsibilities of a government by providing education and healthcare and protecting the people. This is how we fight for our freedom.
I invite other parts of the country to do the same. Let’s see which area can best deliver freedom and equality. I believe that competing in this way will lead to freedom for the entire country. All leaders, especially those who are pro-democratic, share this view.
How close are you to achieving freedom from the military dictatorship?
We are getting close to achieving nationwide freedom. This largely depends on the unity of our people and leaders. We have exercised different military strategies and approaches. Some areas may achieve liberation faster but it’s not true freedom until the whole country is liberated. Nationwide freedom is crucial.
As long as the regime remains in Naypyitaw, it can regroup its forces to fight in Rakhine, bomb Kokang or attack Karenni anytime.
To achieve true freedom, the country must stand united. The public must continue to assist by providing information and participating in anti-junta campaigns. It is difficult to set a specific timeline for completely dismantling the junta.
As long as our people remain united and our efforts unwavering, we will see progress. In 2025 we are close to achieving our goals.
If we are united militarily and politically, the regime will not be able to hold elections or fight back. The country will be free and liberated if we can continue to pressure the regime by consolidating our gains.
What are your military preparations for 2025?
There have been junta offensives but they have failed to regain 20 percent of the lost territory. They are desperately trying to control the main roads.
We have defeated the junta’s counteroffensives. Depending on our weapons, ammunition and troop numbers, this year we will make strategic decisions about where to attack. We will aim to achieve the best military outcomes in 2025. We also need to install an administrative mechanism and promote socio-economic stability in a balanced way.
Recently, the military has ramped up attacks on civilians, including displacement camps. It has also cut off internet access to disrupt our socio-economic life. We need to respond with resilience.
There are ongoing battles in Kachin, Mandalay and Karen. We have to keep pressuring the regime by working collaboratively. This is how we will achieve victory in 2025.
Junta counteroffensives are weak. Over 60 new conscripts deserted and joined us. The regime can’t rebuild its forces or regain territory with its current strength.
What is your view on regime calls for elections and peace talks?
I am very skeptical about the possibility of the regime holding elections. Political parties participating said they fear that armed groups will disrupt voting and they will carry weapons in response.
If politicians are holding weapons, the election cannot be free or fair. The parties standing for election will be aligned with the regime, fitting into the general’s political mold. It would be an ugly election.
The regime is calling for peace talks with armed groups but their actions contradict their words. They continue to bomb civilians each day. We are not naive revolutionaries who will lay down our arms and trust the regime’s “sincere” invitations. We have clear reasons and evidence not to trust their invitations.
We also face international pressure. This will not lead to peace talks or negotiations. The best course of action for the generals is to relinquish power and seek asylum in another country.
