Civilians continue to die in military assaults even as attention turns to talks next month aimed at a broader ceasefire
Myanmar's parliament on Tuesday approved the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord that had been signed by the government and eight armed ethnic groups in October. On the surface it was cause for celebration, but any optimism has to be tempered by the refusal of other groups to agree to peace terms. In fact the military continues its bloody campaign of suppression against the Shan and Kachin in the northeast.
Since 2011 the fighting there has taken a terrible toll on civilians. More than 110,000 have fled their homes in the face of advancing government troops who have little regard to rules of engagement, let alone humanitarian principles.
The rebel outfits that are holding out for better terms before signing any agreement include the Kachin Independence Army, the Shan State Army and the United Wa State Army, all defending a wealth of natural resources in their respective regions. It is the promise of lucrative mining that explains why these militias are demanding autonomy and why the government is loath to accede.
The government commenced peace talks with 16 armed ethnic groups in late 2013 and after two years they reached agreement in principle on a 17-page document outlining the terms of peace and reconciliation. What was lacking was consensus between the two sides as to whether the ceasefire should cover other rebel groups that were not part of the negotiations. In the end, eight of the 16 would-be signatories walked away from the deal, irrevocably tarnishing the legacy of outgoing President Thein Sein. (Courtesy of The Nation)
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