The main group coordinating opposition to military rule in Myanmar has rejected a surprise offer from the ruling generals to hold talks on a political solution to the country’s nationwide armed conflict. The opposition’s shadow National Unity Government spokesperson stated that a joint statement issued earlier this year by opposition groups has already paved the way for a negotiated political solution if the army agrees to its conditions.
The Karen National Union, representing the Karen ethnic minority, also declined the military’s offer. The KNU has been fighting for greater autonomy since Myanmar's independence from Britain in 1948.
The military's offer, titled “Offer to resolve political issues in political means,” defended its 2021 takeover and blamed the country’s turmoil on its opponents. It invited its opponents to resolve political issues through party politics or electoral processes to achieve durable peace and development.
The military's offer comes ahead of a national census to compile voter lists for a general election expected next year. The ruling military aims to legitimize its rule through elections, although organizing them during ongoing conflict poses challenges to ensuring free and fair polls.
The opposition’s political road map, signed by the National Unity Government and major ethnic armed organizations, outlines objectives such as terminating military involvement in politics, establishing federalism, and instituting transitional justice. It calls for dialogue with the military's leadership only after unconditional acceptance of the plan for a peaceful transition of power.
It remains unclear whether the military's offer includes all opposition groups, some of which are classified as terrorists. The head of the ruling military council has previously stated a refusal to negotiate with terrorist groups, vowing to eliminate them.
