Political dialogue between the junta and the Arakan Army (AA) will remain difficult as long as airstrikes and civilian oppression continue in Arakan (Rakhine) State, Major General Twan Mrat Naing, the AA commander-in-chief, said in an exclusive interview with The Diplomat.
The junta has recently extended invitations to ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that have not signed ceasefire agreements—including the AA—as well as the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), urging them to take part in political talks within a 100-day deadline.
Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue to rise as the junta carries out daily group airstrikes on townships under AA control in Arakan State.
“As long as the military keeps bombing civilians, it will be very difficult for us to explore the political process. The military government wants to talk from a position of strength. But we will not succumb to such pressure,” Major General Twan Mrat Naing said.
He further stressed that any invitation to negotiate must be grounded in genuine dialogue that reflects the realities on the ground.
Although the junta and the AA previously held discussions in China under Chinese mediation, no agreement was reached after the junta demanded a return to pre-2023 conditions in Arakan State.
“Instead of asking for unrealistic things, the government should focus on inclusive and sincere negotiations grounded in reality. Negotiations shouldn’t be disconnected from the ground reality,” he told The Diplomat.
Following the latest invitation for talks, the junta has continued airstrikes on civilian areas in territories controlled by resistance forces nationwide, including AA-held areas.
In Arakan State, the nature of air operations has also shifted, moving from single-aircraft strikes to coordinated group attacks involving at least four aircraft, with widespread targeting of civilian and residential areas.
The AA suggested the escalation seems designed to strengthen the junta’s position in political negotiations, but made clear that it will not withdraw in response to airstrikes.
The AA commander-in-chief also underscored that protecting civilians remains the foremost priority, with ongoing efforts to develop effective measures to ensure their safety.
He added that attempts are being made to cooperate with the international community to document regime airstrikes, although these efforts have so far had limited effectiveness.
Arakan State consists of 17 townships; the AA controls 14, while the junta maintains control of Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Manaung. Among the three junta-held townships, clashes are ongoing in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe.
