When the Shadow Government Went Full Rebel: Myanmar’s New Freedom Faction Speaks Out
On Tuesday, September 7th, the National Unity Government (NUG)—the exiled or hidden clutches of Myanmar’s opposition—yelled a loud, bold shout: we’re in a state of emergency and it’s time to roll up our sleeves for a full‑scale revolt!
Who’s Behind the Voices?
- Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the NUG, delivered the speech that set the country on a new rail of defiance.
- Opposing groups in exile have grown into armed units, called the People’s Defence Forces, fist‑in‑fist, ready to hit the army and their tribal allies.
The Real Story: A Coup, Wars, and a Demanding New Cal
Spurred by the Feb 1 coup that toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, a wave of protests erupted. Hundreds died when the security forces tried to crush the demonstrators. Fast‑forward to now, the NUG claims it’s launching a \”defensive war\”—a fight against the military defined as a network of “terrorists” under the command of Min Aung Hlaing. Hoo‑ha!
Min Aung Hlaing: From Command to Prime Minister
Last month, the military dictator slipped on the role of Prime Minister in a caretaker government and promised to hold new elections by 2023—while doing everything to keep the hard‑line regime.
What They’re Saying Today
- They called for an immediate exit from any military personnel in government posts: “Leave your seats or we’ll take them.”
- The 14‑point rallying cry urged the security forces to join the rebellion and for border ethnic militias to launch attacks.
- Long‑time
skirmishes between hastily formed militias and the army are ongoing, but it’s unclear how coordinated those fragmented forces truly are.
ASEAN’s Diplomatic Duty Calls
ASEAN stepped in, steering a ceasefire offer until year‑end to deliver humanitarian aid. The envoy, Erywan Yusof, reports the army accepted. Yet many in the NUG believe the junta can’t make good on promises—“Trust? Not in the budget!”—and insisted that a ceasefire is more a pretext than a peace bet.
Final Note: Military Spokesman? Not the Problem
When journalists tried to get the military’s take on the ceasefire or the NUG’s speech, the spokesperson was as silent as a monk’s vow.
Whatever it means for the future, Myanmar is at a crossroad—the shadow government stands ready to unleash a full‑throttle revolt, while the military clings to power and diplomacy hangs in balance.
