The Karen National Union (KNU) has stated that establishing a government is impossible without territorial control, a governance structure, and a population to govern. The comment came in response to General Saw Nerdah Mya, commander of the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA), announcing the formation of the Kawthoolei Republic.
General Saw Nerdah Mya announced at the Karen National Independence Day ceremony held by the KTLA on January 5 that the Kawthoolei Republic has been established as a sovereign state, operating under a democratic system, with the goal of achieving self-determination amid the collapse of Myanmar's central government.
KNU spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee said that the Kawthoolei Republic, declared by General Saw Nerdah Mya who founded the KTLA after being dismissed as a KNU commander for misconduct, does not represent the KNU, and that building a nation without territorial control, a functioning governance system, and a population to govern is unrealistic.
“You can’t build a government out of thin air; it needs real territory. We have nothing to do with that so-called government formed by people who have no land, no proper governance, and no support from the people. The two districts we control have nothing to do with them either. It’s very clear that the local people are not under their authority,” he told KIC.
He also warned that KTLA’s recent stunts could cause misunderstandings and confusion, as the KNU continues its struggle to evolve from its roots as a Karen nationalist movement into a nationwide democratic movement since the coup, working together with other ethnic groups and the wider population.
Saw Nerdah Mya, expelled from the KNU in July 2022 for allegedly killing 25 civilians, founded the KTLA on July 16 of that year. Over a year later, in November 2023, the Government of Kawthoolei (G.O.K) was formed. Now, KTLA has announced the creation of the Kawthoolei Republic as the next step.
Saw Nerdah Mya has proclaimed himself President of the Kawthoolei Republic. According to the G.O.K., Lieutenant General Saw Hsar Gay Po will serve as Vice President-1 and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saw David Thar Kapaw as Vice President-2, Saw Pho Thoo Lay as Prime Minister, and Saw David Law Du as Minister of Defense.
Since its formation, the KTLA has frequently clashed with KNU-affiliated troops in KNU-controlled areas, raising concerns among local communities. Its recent announcement of the Kawthoolei Republic has also drawn widespread criticism from both the Karen community and the general public.
“KTLA’s announcement was not made by consensus or in consultation with all Karen factions. It was made unilaterally, solely according to its own will, likely aiming to gain a political advantage,” said Doctor Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a political analyst.
On the same day the Kawthoolei Republic was declared at a ceremony in its main operational area near the Thai border, KTLA released 15 junta troops it had held as prisoners of war, granting them amnesty as a goodwill gesture to demonstrate respect for humanitarian principles and international law.
General Saw Nerdah Mya, son of the late former KNU chair General Saw Bo Mya, served as commander-in-chief of the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), the KNU’s armed wing, before his expulsion.
Photo: KTLA
