Ten ethnic armed organizations signatory to Burma’s Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) have urged stakeholders to reduce clashes in Rakhine and northern Shan State. 

Members of the Peace Process Steering Team released a statement addressing the ongoing conflict on August 25 after a five-day meeting. The PPST directed the message to the government, military and three members of the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups: the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. 

“People are really suffering when clashes occur. There are civilian casualties in the clashes. We, the PPST, are demanding that clashes be reduced. Both parties need to consider the security of the people,” Col Sai Nguen, Secretary (2) of NCA signatory the Restoration Council of Shan State told SHAN. 

Sai Nguen emphasized the need for problems to be solved through dialogue. 

During the PPST meeting, more recent NCA signatories the New Mon State Party and Lahu Democratic Union became full members of the team. 

The members explored common ground in drafting the implementation framework for the NCA, and discussed deadlocked issues in Burma’s stalled peace process. 

The PPST said it would continue to work toward “all-inclusive participation” in peace efforts and the building of a federal Union.