TNLA faces backlash after congratulating junta leader on self-declared presidency

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) drew sharp criticism from resistance groups and civil society organisations after congratulating junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, who recently declared himself president. In an April 15 statement, the TNLA welcomed Min Aung Hlaing's assumption of the presidency and endorsed what it called a civilian government, while reaffirming a China-brokered ceasefire and calling for dialogue. The move drew swift backlash, at least 26 resistance and civil society groups rejected the TNLA's position, warning it risks undermining the anti-junta movement. The Ta'ang Civil Society Network said the statement contradicts the political aspirations of the Ta'ang people and legitimises military leadership accused of ongoing attacks on civilians, calling on the TNLA to break off engagement with the junta.A senior TNLA official, speaking to Myanmar Now, alluded to heavy pressure from China to accept the legitimacy of Min Aung Hlaing's administration, but offered no further details. Analysts say the stance may reflect mounting constraints on the group, including shortages of manpower and resources as well as external pressure, particularly from China. Both the TNLA and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) were previously pressured by China to return some territories captured during Operation 1027, underscoring Beijing’s influence over armed groups along the China-Myanmar border. Kyaw Ko Ko, a prominent activist and general secretary of the Social Democratic Party, an anti-junta political group, said the TNLA’s move appears tied to Chinese pressure and signals a shift toward a negotiation-based approach that could weaken the resistance. “From a practical standpoint, the TNLA’s contribution to the revolution may weaken for now,” he said. “It appears to be moving toward resolving the crisis through political dialogue with the junta rather than armed struggle. By entering a dialogue framework, fighting in its areas may decrease, but this will likely reduce the overall momentum of the revolution.” Other armed groups facing similar pressure, including the MNDAA and the Kachin Independence Army, have not issued comparable statements welcoming the junta, making the TNLA’s move stand out, analysts said. There are also emerging indications of a broader shift among members of the Brotherhood Alliance, of which the TNLA and MNDAA are part. The Arakan Army, another member of the alliance, is rumoured to be preparing for talks with junta leaders despite ongoing fighting in Rakhine State and beyond.While critics warn of deepening divisions within the anti-junta alliance, some observers caution that overly harsh criticism could push the TNLA further toward the military.

TNLA faces backlash after congratulating junta leader on self-declared presidency

Twenty-six resistance and civil society groups are calling out the TNLA for backing the junta, but analysts warn that piling on could push the group further into Beijing's corner

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