Rohingya crisis: 2 groups join Myanmar government’s peace process

Two ethnic rebel groups on Tuesday joined Myanmar’s long-delayed peace process, a small step forward in ending decades of civil strife. Other major groups continue to keep their distance.

The signings of the Nationwide Cease-fire Agreement in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, by the New Mon State Party and the Lahu Democratic Union were the first since the original eight groups joined in 2015 under the previous military government. Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government, which took power in 2016, pursued the process.

The government hopes to achieve a comprehensive cease-fire with all groups, but the biggest and most powerful ones, especially the Kachin and the Shan, have not signed, insisting they want a comprehensive political solution before laying down their arms. Heavy combat continues intermittently in areas settled by the Kachin and the Shan.

Government officials who signed the agreement on Tuesday included the army chief, the president and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s top leader.

In a speech at the signing, Suu Kyi said: “let us take one bold step forward. Leaving aside our weapons, let us meet at the negotiation round table and try and discuss candidly like family members.”

“With the organizations which have not signed the NCA, we will …read more