In Pictures

Gallery

In pictures: A ceasefire in Myanmar?

Rebel groups and the government met in northern Myanmar this week to hold peace talks.

Lieutenant General Myint Soe of the Myanmar army is ushered into the first day of meetings between the military and rebel groups over the possible implementation of a ceasefire agreement in Myitkyina, Myanmar on November 4.

By Andre Malerba and Lauren DeCicca

Published On 8 Nov 2013

Save

Myitkyina, Myanmar – Representatives of Myanmar’s rebel groups and the central government met on November 4 and 5 to discuss a new, nationwide ceasefire agreement. 

The next discussion is slated for December 2013, but both parties agree that three points need to be addressed in order for any political agreements to be reached: a nationwide ceasefire, establishment of a framework for political discussion, and the holding of political dialogue.

The general mood seems hopeful in terms of reaching a nationwide ceasefire. Most minority groups here primarily want greater autonomy. However, internal conflict in Myanmar has continued since its independence in 1948. There have been 35 ceasefire agreements since 1989 aimed at specific regions, and the fact that land disputed by the government and various armed groups is home to valuable resources could yet complicate the peace process.

United Nations officials arrive to the first day of peace talks.
Advertisement
A representative from the Chin National Front, a rebel group from Myanmar(***)s Chin state, arrives for the peace talks.
First day of meetings between the Myanmar military and the armed ethnic rebel groups to discuss peace and the steps to reach a nationwide ceasefire agreement.
Members of armed rebel groups sat across from members of the Myanmar military.
Supporters of rebel groups arrive in Myitkyina, where the streets were filled with locals welcoming the groups to the ceasefire meetings.
Supporters of the Kachin Independence Organisation and other rebel groups line the streets to Kachin State(***)s Manau National Park to greet the representatives from the rebel groups as they arrive in Myitkyina for peace talks.
Advertisement
A Kachin Independence Organisation leader is greeted by supporters as he arrives in Myitkyina.
A young supporter of the KIO (Kachin Independence Organisation) waves his flag in the streets near Kachin State(***)s Manau National Park to greet the representatives from the rebel groups as they arrive to Myitkyina to engage in peace talks with the Myanmar Military on November 3, 2013.
A young boy dressed in military uniform waves a flag in support of the KIO (Kachin Independence Organisation) as members of rebel groups arrive in the capital of Kachin State to engage in peace talks with the Myanmar military on November 3, 2013.