(1) Since Myanmar gained independence, the country has continued to experience civil war due to political problems, including the absence of ethnic equality and democratic rights. Karenni State, which had remained independently self-governed from the pre-colonial period through the colonial era until Myanmar’s independence, was forcibly drawn into civil war as a result of authoritarian rule. We deeply regret the intense and prolonged armed conflict, causing suffering for the people of Karenni. We, as the Ayeyarwady State Federal Council, respectfully recognize and honor the continuous revolution of Karenni leaders and people to build a Union based on a federal system that guarantees ethnic equality and the right to self-determination.

(2) On March 2, 1962, the military group led by General Ne Win seized power and established a one-party system, dividing the country into 14 regions and states. The union system, which guaranteed national equality and self-determination, was destroyed, and a one-party dictatorship was established. The union system, which guaranteed national equality and self-determination, was destroyed, and a one-party dictatorship was established. The military dictatorship that emerged from the one-party system continues to face resistance from ethnic nationalities and the people in their fight for ethnic equality and democratic rights.

(3) The SPDC/SLORC military regime, which inherited the oppressive authoritarian system, enacted and enforced the 2008 Constitution by ignoring the suffering of the people who were affected by Cyclone Nargis, to ensure the military’s permanent influence and control over the country’s politics. Although the 2008 Constitution, which served as the backbone of the authoritarian system, became invalid following the military coup in 2021, but, the coup regime continues to amend and manipulate laws to maintain its power. The people who rejected the coup openly expressed their opposition through peaceful protests. In response, the coup military arrested, tortured, killed, and imprisoned peaceful demonstrators, and used armed force to shoot and kill civilians. As a result of the military’s brutal violence, people across both urban and rural areas have risen to resist and defend themselves against the regime.

(4) We are really proud that since the 2021 military coup, when nationwide protests have taken place, the people of Karenni State have taken a leading role in the struggle for rights, ethnic equality, and a federal Union based on self-determination. As Karenni State has already achieved military and territorial control, now, there is a need to strengthen its further leadership in political and administrative governance. We warmly and proudly welcome the formation of the Interim Executive Council of Karenni State and extend our full support with best wishes for its continued efforts to build a free, open, and progressive federal Union based on grantee of ethnic equality, justice, and the right to self-determination. Hereby, this message is respectfully expressed as a letter of congratulations and support to you.

Executive Committee
Ayeyarwady State Federal Council