2024 New Year

New Year State of the Union Address delivered by Acting President Duwa Lashi La of the National Unity Government
2024 Jan 1st

My beloved and respected fellow citizens,
On this joyous New Year occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes for all our people to be blessed with peace of mind and good health.

The year 2024 is now about to begin. This New Year also coincides with the third anniversary of the Spring Revolution. Over this period, the people as a whole have been waging the revolution—both politically and militarily—for the total eradication of the military dictatorship. These struggles have already produced solid and visible successes.
We are carrying forward the Spring Revolution together with the ethnic revolutionary forces, united under shared goals of equality, self-determination, and the principles of democracy.

During the three years of the Spring Revolution, we have also been able to achieve genuine unity and cooperation between the hills and the plains. In this period, the Operation 1027, centered in northern Shan State, has stood out as a historic turning point. Within less than two months, over 20 towns were captured, along with more than 400 terrorist military council's outposts. This achievement can rightly be described as the most significant military result yet in the people’s liberation struggle.

During this period, the terrorist military council's soldiers have been surrendering and abandoning their posts at an unprecedented scale in Myanmar’s military history. Since the launch of Operation 1027, more than 550 military council's troops have surrendered, and the number continues to rise daily during battles and camp seizures. By the third year of the Spring Revolution, the Karen National Union (KNU) has reported that over 18,000 junta soldiers in Karen State alone have been neutralized. These results clearly show that the downfall of the brutal junta is steadily approaching. We have made a firm decision to see this struggle through to the very end, and I want the people to know that we will not settle for the victories achieved so far alone.

In addition, we are striving with full determination to sustain and intensify the momentum of the armed resistance until the final collapse of the brutal junta. We are working to demonstrate, through tangible action, that the complete eradication of military dictatorship stands as the firm and common political commitment of all revolutionary forces.

Dear fellow citizens,
We can now clearly see that the collapse of the brutal terrorist military council is unfolding steadily and visibly. Out of desperation to avoid disgrace, the terrorist military council has been unleashing even greater brutality in its final days. The military’s battlefield defeats are historic in scale — with even brigadier generals and senior commanders falling in combat. Many strategic officers, including brigade commanders, have also been killed or captured during the resistance war. This shows that the terrorist military council is facing unprecedented losses not only at the ground level but also among its leadership ranks. Their downfall is not limited to the battlefield. On the international stage, the terrorist military council has become an outcast, rejected as illegitimate by the global community. It is now plain to see that no country in the world recognizes military dictatorship as legitimate. Financially, too, the terrorist military council is in deep crisis, suffering from a shortage of foreign reserves. This has been driven by the determination of our citizens abroad, who resist the terrorist military council and block the flow of foreign currency into its hands. At the same time, public campaigns — such as boycotting military products — have significantly cut off the terrorist military council's revenue streams. These combined efforts have struck hard at the terrorist military council, pushing it further toward its inevitable downfall.

As individual citizens, resisting the military dictatorship does not only mean taking up arms. Engaging in acts of defiance and resistance from one’s own role and place in society is also an effective and powerful form of revolutionary struggle. For this, I would like to extend my gratitude and respect to all the people who are courageously carrying out such acts of resistance.

I believe the leaders of the terrorist military council must now confront the reality of their own actions. They should recognize the truth about themselves and reflect on breaking free from their role as war criminals who oppress and torment the people. The consequences of the 2021 coup, which dragged the nation and its citizens onto the battlefield, have continued to weigh heavily on the people. Day by day, ordinary citizens are suffering immense hardship in their livelihoods, enduring countless forms of misery and deprivation as a direct result of the coup.

Although our government is leading the armed resistance for the complete eradication of military dictatorship, at the same time we are also carrying out parallel responsibilities to protect and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people. Therefore, I want to emphasize that the National Unity Government is not focused solely on military means and revolutionary struggle. Alongside these efforts, we are committed to protecting the lives, homes, and property of the people. In the areas and towns now under our control, we are working with all our strength to establish and deliver public services for the benefit of the people.

Although we are leading the armed resistance, we must always remember that we must never adopt the practices and behaviors of the fascist military. Those who are fighting to overthrow dictatorship cannot themselves act in ways that resemble dictators. The armed resistance must be conducted according to the principles of a just war. We must respect and adhere to the rules of warfare that have been set with seriousness by the international community. On the battlefield, military laws and codes of conduct must be upheld with the highest regard. If the hands that bear weapons act without political principle or military discipline, it would shatter the very essence of the revolution. That is why I strongly emphasize the need to remain vigilant and committed to these principles.

Dear fellow citizens,
As the victories of the Spring Revolution continue to grow, we are also witnessing the terrorist military council commit even greater war crimes. Since the coup in 2021, the brutal terrorist military council has burned and destroyed nearly 90,000 civilian homes in an attempt to crush the will of the people. Families’ lives, homes, and possessions have been deliberately targeted and destroyed by terrorist military council's battalions and soldiers. To hold on to its illegitimate power, the terrorist military council has carried out more than 170 mass killings of civilians. In the nearly three years since the coup, over 4,000 civilians have been brutally murdered. Unless these atrocities are stopped, the suffering of the people will only deepen and expand. Therefore, in our revolutionary duties, the protection of the people’s lives and homes has been set as a top priority — it is one of the fundamental principles guiding our revolution.

Dear fellow citizens,
All of our Spring Revolution forces are working to uproot dictatorship and shape a new chapter of history. In this effort, we are firmly establishing the foundations of a future federal democratic system and advancing together with all allied forces. The struggle to open a new era is immensely costly. The losses and sacrifices—paid in blood, sweat, and countless lives—are beyond measure. Yet it is precisely through the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and martyrs that the foundations of this new history are being steadily built. This is something we must all hold in the highest respect. Freedom is never gained without cost. It must be seized through determination and paid for with heavy sacrifices. That is why I urge everyone not to treat any revolutionary matter as small or insignificant, but to approach every task with seriousness and commitment.

As the National Unity Government, we are continually working to strengthen our capacity so that we can meet the standards of a government worthy of the people’s trust. At the same time, we are committed to putting into practice the guidance and direction given by the people, ensuring that revolutionary principles are not compromised. Unity is just as crucial during the period of nation-building as it is during the struggle of the revolution. That is why we are advancing together as a united political and military alliance, determined to lead our country toward the shared goal of freedom and a federal democratic future.

As all of you know, the Spring Revolution is a vast movement, with many different sectors and approaches working together toward a single shared goal. Within this movement, the armed resistance is one of the central pillars, but equally important is the people’s political struggle. Both paths are being carried forward as essential fronts of the revolution. To eradicate dictatorship completely, we must carefully choose the most effective approaches based on circumstances and timing. That is why we view the political struggle of the people as the right leg of the revolution, and the armed resistance as the left leg—both advancing in step toward our goal. Although we are waging an armed resistance, it is not without principle or direction. We have revolutionary principles, and we have a vision for nation-building. Already, in some states and regions, interim governance structures are being steadily established at the local level, showing that the foundations of the future are being laid even amid the revolution.

Dear fellow citizens,
The entire international community has not abandoned our people. Beyond regional and neighboring countries, nations around the world continue to closely follow Myanmar’s situation and provide assistance where needed. For this support and attention, I would like to express, on behalf of all our people, our heartfelt gratitude to the global community.

International organizations and people around the world have already been systematically documenting the war crimes committed by the junta, gathering records, testimonies, and evidence. The Myanmar military’s crimes against humanity did not begin only after the coup of 2021; they were being committed even before. Today, international bodies are actively working to hold the junta accountable for these atrocities. It is becoming increasingly clear to the global community that the junta is nothing more than an armed criminal syndicate. They are directly tied to narcotics trafficking, gambling, and illicit military-linked businesses—profiting from industries that exploit and drain the lifeblood of the nation and its people in order to prolong their power.

Inside the country, the junta continues to commit war crimes, and at the same time, along the border regions they are directly profiting from criminal activities and the narcotics trade that fuel instability in the region.

Because the junta openly commits war crimes and directly profits from narcotics and transnational crime, it functions more like an armed criminal syndicate than a legitimate state authority. For this reason, I earnestly appeal to the entire international community: do not take any actions that would prolong the life of the junta.

I would like to appeal for united support from everyone in the spirit of justice and human compassion. With such assistance, we can bring about stability, peace, and the flourishing of democracy in Myanmar. When Myanmar is able to move toward these goals, I firmly believe that border regions will also see greater stability, and mutually beneficial trade and commerce with neighboring countries will expand. In this way, Myanmar can be seen not as a source of instability, but as a nation that contributes to the prosperity and shared interests of the region.

Since the 2021 coup, nearly three years have passed, and during this time more than 2.6 million people inside Myanmar have been forced to flee their homes. According to official reports from UNOCHA, nearly 18.6 million people across the country are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. I therefore make a heartfelt appeal to the international community: do not turn away from the suffering of the people of Myanmar. Provide the practical and meaningful humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed to help them endure these hardships and to preserve their dignity in the midst of crisis.

Dear fellow citizens, At this moment, the various forces of the Spring Revolution are carrying out their duties with determination as we enter the New Year. I firmly believe that, throughout this revolution, each revolutionary force will continue to draw strength and encouragement from the blessings and support of the people. Every revolutionary has left behind their families and homes to serve the cause with full devotion in distant places. From here, I bow with deep respect to all the revolutionaries who, through their sacrifices, are writing a new chapter in our history.

During the Spring Revolution, we must be prepared to overcome further difficult and challenging turns. Yet we should also never forget that the bright red glow of revolution is already visible on the horizon. I deeply understand that every revolutionary has not walked this path because it was easy. You have advanced despite knowing full well the hardship, guided by wisdom, determination, and unwavering faith. That is why I firmly believe that these efforts and sacrifices will never be in vain. We have already achieved results worthy of our struggle, and I trust that even greater victories are near. In this year of 2024, I urge everyone to wage the revolution with the greatest force, delivering decisive blows to hasten the final collapse of the brutal junta. Let us press forward until the waves of resistance break through and dismantle the junta’s central strongholds, and let us claim the ultimate victory of the revolution.

Dear all revolutionaries of the Spring Revolution and beloved people,
On this New Year of 2024, I strongly urge all of us to carry forward our revolutionary strength with a long-term vision and steadfast determination, so that together we may build a new federal democratic nation.

On this New Year, I would like to extend my call with a spirit of determination and hope: Let us strengthen unity among all revolutionary organizations — both in the political and military spheres — so that we may stand together as one. With firm solidarity, we will build an unbreakable front that cannot be divided or weakened. At the same time, let us advance with the broadest possible political movement of the people, ensuring that the revolution remains rooted in the power and will of the public. With this combined force, I urge everyone to march forward and claim the decisive, final victory of the armed resistance in this very year. With this call, I welcome the New Year, confident that together we will bring freedom, justice, and a new federal democratic nation into reality.

Revolution Must Prevail!