National Unity Government

Cabinet of Myanmar in exile
Date formed16 April 2021 (2021-04-16)
People and organisations
PresidentDuwa Lashi La (acting)
Prime MinisterMahn Win Khaing Than
No. of ministers28
History
Outgoing election2020 Myanmar general election
Incoming formation2021 Myanmar coup d'état
leads to formation of the
NUG in exile
PredecessorActing Cabinet of the CRPH

The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Burmese: အမျိုးသားညီညွတ်ရေး အစိုးရ; abbreviated NUG) is a Myanmar government in exile formed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of elected lawmakers and members of parliament ousted in the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. The European Parliament has recognized the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar. It includes representatives of the National League for Democracy (the deposed ruling party of former state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi), ethnic minority insurgent groups, and various minor parties.[1]

The State Administration Council—the country's ruling military junta—has declared the NUG illegal[2] and a terrorist organization,[3] while the NUG designated the Tatmadaw and its affiliated organizations as terrorist organizations under Section 3 of Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law.[4]

In May 2021, the NUG announced the formation of a "People's Defense Force", and in September the launch of a "defensive war" and nation-wide revolution against the military junta.[5][6] As of September 2021, the NUG had established representative offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, France, Czech Republic, Australia, and South Korea.[7] On 1 February 2022, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the NUG appointed Saw Ba Hla Thein as the first representative to Japan.[8]

History

Following the 1 February 2021 military coup, a Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (the Myanmar legislature) was created by members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) who had been elected as lawmakers in the 2020 general election.[9][10] It claimed to be the legitimate legislative authority for Myanmar.[9][10] It named a set of office-holders of the National Unity Government on 16 April, which included members of the NLD, other parties and independents.[11]

The NUG immediately sought international recognition as the government of Myanmar and gained much support from the people of Myanmar.[12] When the NUG was announced, its designated minister for home affairs and immigration, Lwin Ko Latt, stated that he expected recognition by several countries soon.[13] The International Trade Union Confederation called for recognition of the NUG by governments and the United Nations,[14] and the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a group of pro-human rights lawmakers within ASEAN countries, called on ASEAN to invite the NUG to the ASEAN Leaders Meeting on 24 April rather than representatives of the military junta.[15]

In April 2021, the NUG established Public Voice Television (PVTV) as a media outlet for the NUG, the CRPH, and NUCC.[16] PVTV hosts a series of programmes, including a satirical show called People's Voice TV, and news reports.[17][18]

On 5 May 2021, the NUG announced the formation of the People's Defense Force as its armed wing to launch an armed revolution against the military junta, which designated it a terrorist organization on 8 May.[5][3]

On 7 September 2021, the NUG announced the launch of a defensive war against the military junta, and urged the citizens to revolt against the junta in every corner of the country.[6]

On 6 October 2021, Malaysia's foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah warned the Burmese military it was prepared to hold official talks with the NUG if the military did not cooperate with the terms of ASEAN's five-point consensus.[19] On October 24, the Foreign Affairs Ministry appointed Bo Hla Tint, who served as a minister in the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, as an ambassador to ASEAN.[20]

On 26 April 2022, Lwin Ko Latt, the Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, announced the formation of the Bureau of Special Intelligence. The announcement also mentioned that due to arbitrary arrests, torture, killings, and other fascist acts by the terrorist military council in the country through the exercise of people's power, the Bureau of Special Intelligence was set up to build national security that would ensure the social security and socio-economic development of the people while preventing violence.[21]

On 7 September 2022, NUG acting president Duwa Lashi La stated that the regime had lost control of half of the country, noting that NUG had formed over 300 PDF battalions, and township public defence forces in 250 of the country's townships, while approximately 1,500 resistance fighers had died since the coup.[22]

On 6 February 2023, NUG stated that it had restored internet access in at least 15 townships where the junta had cut off access since 2021. NUG spokesman Nay Phone Latt also added that they were providing access without using the junta's infrastructure.[23] On 13 February, the NUG opened an official liaison office in Washington, DC to engage with the American government.[24]

On 17 September 2023, the NUG's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) stated it dissolved the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association (MGJEA) for providing tax revenue to the SAC.[25]

International relations

In April 2021, Building and Wood Workers' International announced its support of NUG and called for the international community to recognise NUG's legitimacy.[26]

In September 2021, in the lead up to the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the UN had been expected to make a formal decision on recognizing the legitimate government of Myanmar.[27] Ahead of the UNGA, major global labour unions issued a statement calling for a global day of action for Myanmar, specifically calling on international governments to recognise NUG and for humanitarian assistance to be provided solely through NUG channels.[28] A behind-the-scenes compromise between China and the US prevented the Burmese military's representatives from attending the UNGA session, effectively forestalling a decision to replace Kyaw Moe Tun, the incumbent Permanent Representative of Myanmar who represents the NUG.[27][29] As of 24 November 2022, the United Nations list of Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Ministers for Foreign Affairs of all Member States continues to list Win Myint as President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi as Minister of Foreign Affairs.[30]

On 5 October 2021, the French Senate unanimously passed a resolution to formally recognize the NUG as the official government of Myanmar, and sent it to the National Assembly for passage.[31][32][33] On 7 October 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that recognizes the CRPH and the NUG as the only legitimate representatives of Myanmar.[34]

Since ASEAN implemented the Five-Point Consensus with respect to the Myanmar situation in April 2021, the military-led State Administration Council has not honoured its commitment to the peace plan.[35] ASEAN member states, particularly Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with SAC's continued intransigence.[36] In May 2022, Malaysia's foreign minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, publicly called on ASEAN member states to begin informally engaging NUG.[37][38] The suggestion prompted a protest from SAC.[39] On 20 September 2022, Malaysia became the first ASEAN member state to publicly engage with the competing NUG.[40]

The NUG has called on the People's Defence Force to not target Chinese projects. Additionally, it reportedly sent congratulatory letters to Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping after the 20th CCP National Congress in October 2022.[41]

In November 2021 and December 2023, the Inter-Parliamentary Union affirmed that the NUG's parent organisation, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, is the legitimate interlocutor for Myanmar and its members are able to participate in the official business of the IPU as observers.[42]

Funding and revenues

In May 2022, the NUG announced it had raised $42 million USD from fundraising activities, with the majority of revenues spent on weapons and support for civil servants on strike.[43][44] It has launched a number of successful initiatives, including the sale of Spring Revolution treasury bonds, an online lottery, and the sale of military-linked land and properties. Most NUG donors live abroad, and limited evidence suggests the Burmese diaspora in Singapore is the primary source of funding.[45] The NUG has also encouraged Burmese-based companies and taxpayers to redirect taxes to the NUG, instead of the military regime.[45] The NUG has also launched NUGPay, a parallel digital currency system.[45]

In May 2022, the NUG raised $10 million from the sale of Min Aung Hlaing's Yangon home on Inya Lake Road.[45][44][46] In October 2022, the NUG raised $9.3 million USD during an auction of land in Mandalay's Patheingyi Township illegally seized by the military.[46] In January 2023, the NUG raised $10 million in 18 hours, after a pre-sale of apartments on military-owned land in Yangon.[47] In February 2023, the NUG raised $4 million after an entrepreneur bought rights to a gem mine in Mogok Township.[48]

Office holders

Executives of the Government

Office Name Portfolio Term in office Political Party Source
Took office Left Office Days
President Win Myint
(incarcerated)		 Head of State 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy [49]
Vice President and Acting President Duwa Lashi La Deputy Head of State 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Kachin National Consultative Assembly / Kachin Political Interim Coordination Team
State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Aung San Suu Kyi
(incarcerated)		 Head of Government 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than Deputy Head of Government 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy

Ministries of the Government

Ministries Source
Ministry of Defense [50]
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Planning, Finance and Investment
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration
Ministry of Federal Union Affairs
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management
Ministry of Human Rights
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation
Ministry of International Cooperation
Ministry of Women, Youths and Children Affairs
Ministry of Labour
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Communications, Information & Technology
Ministry of Electricity & Energy
Ministry of Commerce

Ministers of the Government

Office Name Term in office Political Party Source
Took office Left Office Days
Minister of Commerce Khin Ma Ma Myo 25 August 2021 Incumbent 868 Independent [49]
Minister of Communications, Information & Technology Htin Linn Aung 5 June 2021 Incumbent 949 Independent
Minister of Defence Yee Mon 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Defence Nai Kao Rot (Colonel Naing Kaung Yuat) 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 New Mon State Party
Minister of Education Dr. Zaw Wai Soe 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Independent
Minister of Health
Deputy Minister of Education Ja Htoi Pan 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Kachin Political Interim Coordination Team
Dr. Sai Khaing Myo Tun 3 May 2021 Incumbent 982 Independent
Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Shwe Pon 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Minister of Electricity and Energy Soe Thura Tun 5 June 2021 Incumbent 949 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Maw Htun Aung 26 July 2021 Incumbent 898 Shan Nationalities League for Democracy
Minister of Federal Union Affairs Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Chin National Front / Interim Chin National Consultative Council
Deputy Minister of Federal Union Affairs Chit Tun 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Karenni National People's Liberation Front
Maing Win Htoo 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Ta'ang National Party
Minister of Foreign Affairs Zin Mar Aung 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Moe Zaw Oo 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration Lwin Ko Latt 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration Khu Hte Bu 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Karenni National Progressive Party
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Win Myat Aye 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Naw Htoo Phaw 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Independent
Minister of Human Rights Aung Myo Min 3 May 2021 Incumbent 982 Independent
Deputy Minister of Human Rights Ba Ham Htan 3 May 2021 Incumbent 982 Kayan New Land Party
Aung Kyaw Moe 1 July 2023 Incumbent 193 days Independent
Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Sasa 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of International Cooperation Hkaung Naw 3 May 2021 6 November 2022 Independent
Deputy Minister of International Cooperation David Gum Awng 6 November 2022 Incumbent 1 year, 70 days Independent
Minister of Labour Nai Suwanna 3 May 2021 Incumbent 982 Former member of Mon Unity Party
Deputy Minister of Labour Kyaw Ni 3 May 2021 Incumbent 982 All Burma Federation of Trade Unions
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Dr. Hkalen Tu Hkawng 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Independent
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Khun Bedu 16 April 2021 28 July 2023 832 Kayan National Party
Khun Saw Hpu 28 July 2023[51] Incumbent 167
Minister of Justice Thein Oo 5 June 2021 Incumbent 949 Independent
Minister of Planning, Finance and Investment Tin Tun Naing 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Planning, Finance and Investment Min Zayar Oo 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Former member of Mon Unity Party
Minister of Women, Youths and Children Affairs Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 National League for Democracy
Deputy Minister of Women, Youths and Children Affairs Ei Thinzar Maung 16 April 2021 Incumbent 999 Former member of Democratic Party for a New Society
Auditor General of the Union Toe Aung 26 July 2021 Incumbent 898 Independent

See also

References

    1. ↑ Nachemson, Andrew (24 May 2021). "Myanmar diaspora in US rally, raise funds in battle against coup". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
    2. ↑ "Myanmar activists hold 'blue shirt' protests; report says junta chief to attend summit". Reuters. 21 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
    3. 1 2 "Myanmar junta designates shadow government as 'terrorist' group". Deutsche Welle. 8 May 2021. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
    4. ↑ ""Announcement on Counter Terrorism and Designation of Terrorist Organizations"". Retrieved 23 August 2023.
    5. 1 2 Strangio, Sebastian (6 May 2021). "Can Myanmar's New 'People's Defense Force' Succeed?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
    6. 1 2 "Myanmar shadow government launches 'people's defensive war'". Al Jazeera. 7 September 2021. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
    7. ↑ "Myanmar shadow government sets up office in South Korea". Nikkei Asia. 18 September 2021. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    8. ↑ ""Can it be said that Japan exercises the fence-sitting policy? I think it may be the Japanese government's policy. In my view, Japan may give favour to the side which gets the upper hand." Saw Ba Hla Thein the NUG's representative to Japan". Myanmar Peace Monitor. 8 February 2022. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
    9. 1 2 "Myanmar politicians defy coup, say they are true government". AP News. 5 February 2021. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
    10. 1 2 "Amid Coup, Myanmar's NLD Lawmakers Form Committee to Serve as Legitimate Parliament". The Irrawaddy. 8 February 2021. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
    11. ↑ "CRPH announces lineup of interim 'national unity government'". Myanmar Now. 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
    12. ↑ "Myanmar unity government says it must be part of any ASEAN bid to end crisis". Reuters. 18 April 2021. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
    13. ↑ "Some countries will officially recognise Myanmar's shadow government in the coming days, says new minister". Myanmar NOW. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
    14. ↑ "Myanmar: National unity government must be recognised". www.ituc-csi.org. 19 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
    15. ↑ "Myanmar's National Unity Government must be invited to this week's ASEAN Special Summit, MPs say". ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights. 20 April 2021. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
    16. ↑ "Junta suffers heavy casualties and thousands remain displaced as military offensive in Karen State intensifies". Myanmar NOW. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
    17. ↑ Win, Zin Mar (5 May 2022). "Outspoken news anchor reports from Myanmar's jungles amid media crackdown". Radio Free Asia. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
    18. ↑ "No News About Pro-Democracy Broadcaster's Family Held by Myanmar Junta". The Irrawaddy. 6 January 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
    19. ↑ "Malaysia to Talk to Myanmar's Parallel Govt if Junta Fails to Cooperate With ASEAN". The Irrawaddy. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    20. ↑ "NUG appoints U Bo Hla Tint as an ambassador to ASEAN". Radio Free Asia (in Burmese). 26 October 2021. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
    21. ↑ "အမိန့်ကြော်ငြာစာအမှတ် (၀၄/ ၂၀၂၂)" [Notification No. (04/2022)]. Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration - Myanmar. 25 April 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022.
    22. ↑ "NUG: We Control Over Half of Myanmar's Territory". The Irrawaddy. 7 September 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    23. ↑ "Myanmar's Civilian Government Provides Internet in Rebel-Held Territory". The Irrawaddy. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
    24. ↑ Strangio, Sebastian (16 February 2023). "Myanmar's National Unity Government Opens Office in Washington". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    25. ↑ "Regime claims 605 police officers killed since coup; NUG 'dissolves' jewelry association". 19 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
    26. ↑ "BWI backs Myanmar's National Unity Government". BWI. 2021.
    27. 1 2 Simpson, Adam (24 September 2021). "Two governments claim to run Myanmar. So, who gets the country's seat at the UN?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    28. ↑ "Global unions press UN to recognise Myanmar's NUG". BWI. 2021.
    29. ↑ "Interview: 'I Do Not Feel Worried at All Now,' Myanmar Envoy Says of Foiled Attack". Radio Free Asia. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    30. ↑ "HEADS OF STATE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MINISTERS FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS" (PDF). United Nations. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
    31. ↑ "French Senate Recognises Myanmar National Unity Government". Scoop News. 7 October 2021. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    32. ↑ "proposition de résolution en application de l'article 34-1 de la Constitution, portant sur la nécessité de reconnaître le Gouvernement d'unité nationale de Birmanie". www.senat.fr. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
    33. ↑ Cabot, Cyrielle (1 February 2022). "Myanmar coup anniversary: Government in exile urges France to act against junta". France 24. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
    34. ↑ "European Parliament Throws Support Behind Myanmar's Shadow Government". The Irrawaddy. 8 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
    35. ↑ Auto, Hermes (13 September 2022). "Asean leaders will have to assess progress of Myanmar peace plans: Vivian Balakrishnan". The Straits Times. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    36. ↑ Seah, Sharon; Thuzar, Moe (4 July 2022). "Has ASEAN Reached the Point of Diminishing Returns with Myanmar?". FULCRUM. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    37. ↑ Strangio, Sebastian (12 May 2022). "Malaysian FM Says ASEAN Envoy 'Welcomes' Idea of Engaging Myanmar's NUG". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    38. ↑ Peter, Zsombor (8 May 2022). "Malaysia Suggests ASEAN Engage Myanmar's Shadow Government". VOA. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    39. ↑ Strangio, Sebastian (4 May 2022). "Myanmar Junta Rejects Suggestion that ASEAN Engage Shadow Government". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 6 May 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    40. ↑ "Malaysian Foreign Minister Meets With Myanmar's Parallel Civilian Govt". The Irrawaddy. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
    41. ↑ Chau, Thompson; Oo, Dominic (11 January 2023). "Did China deliver a snub to Myanmar's military regime?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
    42. ↑ https://crphmyanmar.org/
    43. ↑ "Myanmar Parallel Govt's Online Lottery Sells Out in About an Hour". The Irrawaddy. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    44. 1 2 "NUG Ministry of Planning, Finance and Investment receives $42 million from fundraising". Mizzima Myanmar News and Insight. 22 May 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    45. 1 2 3 4 "Crowdfunding a War: The Money behind Myanmar's Resistance - Myanmar". ReliefWeb. 20 December 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    46. 1 2 "NUG Raises Over US$9 Million Selling Land Illegally Seized by Myanmar Military". The Irrawaddy. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    47. ↑ "Myanmar's Civilian Govt Raises $10 Million from Yangon Condo Presales". The Irrawaddy. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    48. ↑ "Myanmar Civilian Government Sells Gem Mining Rights". The Irrawaddy. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
    49. 1 2 "Who's Who in Myanmar's National Unity Government". The Irrawaddy. 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
    50. ↑ "Ministries". National Unity Government Official Website. 10 October 2022.
    51. ↑ CRPH (28 July 2023). "Appointment of Deputy Minister (Announcement Number : 2/2023)". ပြည်ထောင်စုသမ္မတမြန်မာနိုင်ငံတော်. Retrieved 2 November 2023.

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