Myanmar today signed a ceasefire with eight ethnic minority armies in a step towards ending decades of civil war, a move weakened by the refusal of several other rebel groups to join the deal.
The truce is the fruit of more than two years of negotiations and was a key goal of reformist President Thein Sein ahead of November elections, which are likely to sweep his army-backed party from power.
In a lavish televised signing ceremony in the remote capital Naypyidaw, Thein Sein said the deal would give “an inheritance of peace” to future generations.
State-backed newspaper Global New light of Myanmar said the agreement may herald a “fully fledged peace process that will end more than 60 years of civil conflict”. But hopes for a nationwide ceasefire before the November 8 election crumbled recently after rebel groups baulked at any deal without the inclusion of all insurgent forces — notably smaller organisations locked in conflict with the army.
Myanmar’s powerful army chief and rebel representatives in ethnic dress attended the signing, while representatives from China, India, the European Union and United Nations were among the witnesses.
In a statement, the US State Department welcomed “a critical first step” in building sustainable peace, but raised concerns over continuing fighting in northern Kachin and Shan state.
The deal enables the groups involved to begin political dialogue with the government — a longstanding demand of ethnic minorities calling for greater autonomy. But much depends on the actions of Myanmar’s army, which is not under civilian control.
Myanmar’s military held the country in an iron grip for decades and retains significant political clout, including holding a quarter of parliament’s seats.
“The real test now lies ahead, in demonstrating that this partial agreement can bring tangible political and security benefits,” said independent analyst Richard Horsey, who attended the ceremony.